3 simple and cheap ways to get a trademark
If you’ve recently established a business, the first thing you must do is get a trademark for your company name. This protects your brand and ensures that no other business can make profits off your sales by starting a similar business with a similar name. There are several ways to acquire a trademark, and here, we’ll explore the three cheapest ways to get a trademark for your business.
Register a business name in your state
State trademark registration is probably the cheapest way to get a trademark for your company, but you must know that it offers protection only within your state.
In some states, your business name can be registered as a trade name, also known as a “doing business as” (DBA) name, if you operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership. Typically, the fee for registering your company name statewide ranges between $50 and $150, depending on the state.
Trademark a business name with the USPTO
Applying at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is another cheap way to get a trademark for your business. The significant benefit of getting a trademark through the USPTO is that it offers nationwide protection. You can apply for trademark registration online using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS). Alternatively, you can file a paper application, but it’s recommended that you do it electronically as there can be a substantial difference in fees. The fees for electronic filing with the USPTO start from $225 per class of goods and services, but they are much higher if you’re filing a paper application.
Use online legal services
Using online legal services is an excellent alternative if you’re not willing to pay considerable fees to a lawyer. Online legal services like LegalZoom.com, Legal-Sherpa.com, Trademarks411.com, and Trademarkia.com can help you file a trademark application. Online services typically advertise fees as low as $150-$200, depending on the kind of services you want. However, this fee is in addition to the filing fee you will be paying the government or the USPTO.
