Trademark Filing Fees – An Overview
When developing a budget for your business, it is important to consider and incorporate the filing fees associated with maintaining your trademark. Many people either underestimate or downright neglect this expense because they do not understand quite how many trademarks their business may need. For example, as a company expands, so will its branded assets. Thus, each brand asset will require a level of legal protection. With this goal in mind, let’s take a look at some of the key trademark filing fees.
Standard Filing Fees
The standard initial filing fee for a trademark is between $250 and $350 per class, depending on whether you use Trademark Electronic Application System Plus or Standard. This fee will apply to each class of goods or services. As a result, the key question is, how many classes of goods or services do you need?
The chosen category is of great importance because that’s where your trademark applies. No one else in that same category of services will be able to legally use your registered trademark. Larger businesses will likely need to file multiple applications to cover the scope of goods and services that they offer or a multiple-class amendment to allege use for previously submitted intent-to-use applications. Your fee will then apply based on the number of classes.
In addition to the initial stage filing fee, you need to be prepared to pay ongoing fees to maintain your trademark.
Maintenance Filing Fees
There are generally two categories of fees you will need to consider in order to maintain your trademark – (i) renewals and (ii) declarations. Renewal fees generally cover the actual application itself. Declaration fees focus on proving that you are actively using the trademark, which is one of the requirements for maintaining an active trademark.
Declaration fees are due between years 5 and 6, 9 and 10, and every ten years thereafter. Declaration fees are $225 per class when filing online, $325 for paper. Your fee will accompany your “Declarations of use and/or Excusable Nonuse” form. This form outlines the categories of goods you’re registering, as well as any changes or exclusions. You may also be required to submit specimens to prove your use.
The renewal fee itself is $300 for electronic filing and $500 for paper filing, also on a per-class basis. In total, your trademark renewal will likely cost you anywhere from $525 to $825 per class, depending on whether you opt for electronic or paper filing.
Routine Trademark Audits
A good way to effectively prepare for ongoing trademark expenses is by implementing an audit protocol to determine what you have and how to protect it. This is a process that may seem relatively easy, but the complexity will likely grow and become more prevalent over time. Hence, it is in your best interest to retain the services of an experienced trademark attorney in Los Angeles to help address such issues.
Ready to Take Action? Contact the Reputable Omni Legal Group and Speak with a Knowledgeable Trademark Attorney in Los Angeles Today
The professional and highly experienced Los Angeles trademark attorneys at Omni Legal Group can help navigate first-time and maintenance trademark filing fees for the life of your assets and so much more. Omni Legal Group represents clients throughout the greater Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Culver City. Our firm has a wealth of experience handling trademark issues and can help you file or register yours.
For further information or to schedule a consultation please contact Omni Legal Group at 855.433.2226 or visit www.OmniLegalGroup.com to learn more