📅 2026 Update: Changes in Trademark Registration Fees and Processes

Since the original article was published, there have been several important updates regarding trademark registration in the U.S. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has adjusted fees and processes that impact applicants. This section highlights those changes and provides essential details that affect the trademark registration process.

💰 Recent Fee Changes

The USPTO has made significant changes to trademark fees. As of November 18, 2024, certain fees have been set or increased. For example, the fee for international applications under Section 66(a) rose from $500 to $600 per class on February 18, 2025.

  • 📈 Base Application Fee: The base application filing fee is now $350 per class for electronic applications under Sections 1 or 44.

⏳ Processing Times

The average processing times for trademark applications have been adjusted. The average time for the first examining action is now 4.3 months from the filing date.

  • ⏳ Total Processing Time: It takes about 10.4 months on average from filing to registration or abandonment. For stand-alone base applications, the total pendency is 7.8 months.

📄 Application Requirements

The requirements for different types of applications remain mostly unchanged. However, applicants need to be aware of the specific sections under which they can file.

  • 📋 Eligibility Sections: Section 1(a) covers current use, while Section 1(b) is for those intending to use the trademark soon. Sections 44(d) and 44(e) apply to foreign applications and registrations.

📅 Important Deadlines

Timely filing is crucial in the trademark process.

  • ⚠️ Statement of Use: Applicants must file this within six months of receiving the notice of allowance for intent-to-use applications.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • 💵 New fees and increases effective from late 2024 and 2025.
  • ⏳ Average processing time is now 10.4 months.
  • 📋 Maintain awareness of eligibility sections for applications.
  • ⚠️ Deadlines are critical for filing statements of use.

💡 Tips for Navigating Trademark Registration

Reviewing your specific situation with an attorney is essential for understanding trademark registration.

📝 File Electronically

Always file your trademark application electronically using the Trademark Center. This is the only accepted method as of February 15, 2020.

⚠️ Be Thorough

Provide complete and accurate information in your application. Incomplete applications can lead to additional fees, such as $100 per class for insufficient information.

⏳ Monitor Processing Times

Keep an eye on the processing times to manage expectations. The average time for the first examining action is now 4.3 months.

📅 Set Reminders

Set reminders for key deadlines, such as filing the Statement of Use within six months of the notice of allowance. This helps avoid losing your application status.

📞 Utilize USPTO Resources

Make use of the USPTO's guides and FAQs. They offer valuable information that can assist in the trademark registration process.

🏆 Top Trademark Registration Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section reviews various services that assist with trademark registration based on user ratings. These services help applicants navigate the complexities of trademark law and registration. The following rankings are based on Trustpilot data checked in October 2026, and scores can change over time.

Star ratings indicate user satisfaction, but remember that unhappy customers tend to leave more reviews.

🥇 1. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer holds a Trustpilot score of 4.5. It is known for providing affordable legal services and an extensive document library, which can greatly assist individuals seeking trademark registration. However, some users have found the subscription model may not fit their needs.

🥈 2. Bizee

Bizee has a Trustpilot score of 4.8. It is recognized for its business formation services and comprehensive compliance support. As a newer player in the trademark registration space, some users may find it lacking in experience compared to more established firms.

🥉 3. LegalZoom

LegalZoom averages a Trustpilot score of 4.6. It is known for offering comprehensive legal services with a user-friendly platform that aids in trademark registration. Some users report delays in processing times, which could affect applicants’ timelines.

🆓 Free Government and Nonprofit Help

The USPTO provides various resources, including guides and FAQs, that can assist trademark applicants without cost. The Small Business Administration (SBA) also offers resources on intellectual property, while local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide low-cost assistance.

🔎 Key Factors to Compare When Choosing Services

  • ⭐ User ratings and reviews.
  • 💰 Fees and payment structures.
  • 📄 Services offered, especially for trademark registration.
  • ⏳ Processing times and reliability.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the average time to process a trademark application?

The total processing time averages 10.4 months from filing to registration or abandonment.

🕒 How often do I need to file maintenance documents?

Maintenance documents must be filed at specific intervals, such as the five-year declaration and ten-year renewal.

🛡️ What happens if I miss the deadline for filing a Statement of Use?

If you miss the deadline for filing a Statement of Use, your application may be abandoned, and you would need to restart the process.

📋 Can I amend my trademark application after it is submitted?

Yes, you can submit a written request to amend your application or provide a disclaimer, including the required fee.

🔍 How can I check the status of my trademark application?

You can monitor your application status through the USPTO's Trademark Status and Document Retrieval system.

📜 What resources does the USPTO offer for applicants?

The USPTO offers guides, FAQs, customer service, and various educational materials to assist applicants with the trademark process.

⚖️ Recent Cases Impacting Trademark Law

Recent court rulings have clarified various aspects of trademark law and registration, impacting how applicants should approach their filings.

For additional insights, feel free to browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





There are certain requirements that must be met for a trademark to be officially registered by the United States Patents and Trademark Office

Trademark Search and Applications

Someone registering a trademark needs to figure out if they want to file a common law trademark or a federally recognized one. Small local businesses that do not do any business of any kind out of state or over the Internet may consider filing common law trademarks. The protection offered to common law trademarks only extends to within the state in which it is filed. 

If a federal application is filed, protection will extend across the nation. Only federal trademark registrations appear in the USPTO database. Any common law registered trademark is not relevant when conducting a trademark search on the USPTO database or other source. The USPTO service is free but there are pay services that will search all existing trademarks for a potential trademark registration. 

Requirements of Trademark Registration

When registering trademarks, it is also a requirement to fill out either the "use" form or the "intent to use" form. The "use"form means the trademark has already been in use since before the registration was requested. The "intent to use" form means the trademark will be used after the filing of necessary paperwork.



Allegation of Use

The USPTO will not grant a trademark registration unless and "allegation of use" form is submitted within six months following the federal application. The allegation of use form explains how someone intends to use a registered trademark. 

If the USPTO does not receive this information the registration will not be granted. This is so the USPTO does not use up and waste all possible trademarks. If a trademarks is registered, the USPTO wants that person or company to actually use the trademark. Registered trademarks must be used in commerce for them to be accepted.



Required Omissions from Registered Trademarks



Registered trademarks cannot contain any of the following:

         Names of living people that have not given their consent.

         U.S flag.

         Other U.S federal or local symbols.

         Names of deceased U.S presidents without the consent of their widow.

         Words or symbols that speak ill of the living or deceased in anyway.


Required Waiting Period



The waiting period from the time the paper work is complete to the time the USPTO informs someone that their trademark has officially been added to the list of registered trademarks can be anywhere from a few months to over a year. In that time it is required that the person or company keep using the trademark they would like to have registered. Any additional documents sent by the USPTO should be filled out and returned as soon s possible to avoid any complications.