Patent Attorney and Founder
I recently formed an LLC at the start of the year and have been focused on building my business. But before opening, I want to trademark two logos and the company name. Honestly, the whole process is so confusing—between the costs, trademark classes, and IDs, I’m feeling stuck.
Here’s where I’m at: I’ve created two official logos (just designs I’ve sketched out) and my company name. Am I right in thinking I’ll need to file three separate applications—one for each logo and one for the name? And does each trademark have to be registered in multiple classes? If so, that sounds expensive. Like, thousands of dollars expensive! 😢
Now, let’s break it down.
It sounds like you’re dealing with three trademarks:
- Two logos (called “design marks” in trademark terms).
- One name (a “word mark”).
Each of these requires a separate application with the USPTO. The cost? The filing fee for each application starts at $250 per class. So if your trademarks fall into multiple classes (like goods, services, or both), the fees multiply quickly. For example:
- If you register all three trademarks in three classes each, you’re looking at nine total filings—and that’s just the government fees.
On top of that, if you’re hiring an attorney, their fees will add up too. It’s easy to see how the costs can climb into the thousands.
That said, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. A smart approach would be to prioritize what matters most. Ask yourself:
- Which trademarks will generate the most revenue?
- Can one logo incorporate elements from the other to reduce filings?
An experienced trademark attorney can help you figure this out. They’ll guide you on consolidating filings where possible and focusing on the trademark classes that protect your business without overextending your budget.
Starting a business is exciting, but it comes with tough decisions. A little strategy now can save you money and headaches down the road. 👍