Discover budget-friendly strategies to register and protect your trademark. Learn how to register locally, apply through the USPTO, and use online legal services to safeguard your brand effectively and affordably. Perfect for new entrepreneurs aiming to establish a protected brand identity without overspending.

Cost-Effective Ways to Protect Your Trademark Rights

Establishing a new business involves safeguarding your brand identity, and registering a trademark is essential. A trademark helps secure your brand name and deters competitors from imitating your identity. Here, we explore three affordable methods to register a trademark for your business.

Register Your Business Name Locally

By registering your business name with your state, you gain protection within your region at a minimal cost. If you have a registered business entity, your name is usually protected, preventing others from establishing similar businesses nearby. Costs vary by state, typically between $50 and $150, especially when registering a DBA or trade name as a sole proprietorship or partnership.

File a Trademark Application with the USPTO

Submitting a federal trademark application through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offers nationwide legal protection. The process is streamlined online via the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS). Fees start at $225 per class of goods or services, making it an economical option compared to traditional paper filings.

Utilize Online Legal Services

Platforms like LegalZoom, Legal-Sherpa, Trademarks411, and Trademarkia make trademark registration straightforward and affordable, with fees typically between $150 and $200 plus government charges. These services are ideal for those wanting professional guidance without high legal costs.