File your trademark with the USPTO — no attorney required
Save $1,500–$3,000 in attorney fees. Our free guides walk you through every step — from clearance search to registration.
How to file your trademark in 4 steps
The USPTO process is straightforward when you know what to expect.
Choose Your Class
Identify the right Nice Classification class(es) for your goods/services.
Learn more →TEAS Plus vs TEAS Standard
Choose the right application type for your situation.
TEAS Plus
Best for: Applicants whose goods/services fit neatly into existing USPTO ID Manual entries
Requirements
- •Must use pre-approved identification of goods/services from USPTO ID Manual
- •Must agree to receive communications electronically
- •Must submit all required elements at time of filing
- •Must include a valid email address for correspondence
Pros
- ✓ Lower filing fee ($250 per class)
- ✓ Faster processing in some cases
- ✓ Straightforward if your goods/services match ID Manual entries
Cons
- ✗ Less flexibility in describing goods/services
- ✗ Higher additional fees ($125/class) if requirements aren't met later
- ✗ May not work for unique or novel goods/services
TEAS Standard
Best for: Applicants with unique goods/services not easily described by ID Manual entries
Requirements
- •Can use custom identification of goods/services
- •Must agree to receive communications electronically
- •Allows amendments during examination
Pros
- ✓ More flexibility in describing goods/services
- ✓ Can use custom language for novel products or services
- ✓ Better for international applicants
Cons
- ✗ Higher filing fee ($350 per class)
- ✗ Custom descriptions may require back-and-forth with examining attorney
Types of trademarks you can register
Different mark types offer different scopes of protection.
Word Mark
Protects the words themselves regardless of font, style, or color. Broadest protection for text-based marks.
Examples
GOOGLE, NIKE, AMAZON
Design Mark
Protects a logo, symbol, or graphic element without any words. The design itself is the mark.
Examples
Nike swoosh, Apple logo, Twitter bird
Stylized Word Mark
Protects specific words in a particular stylized font, color, or design. More limited than a standard word mark.
Examples
Coca-Cola in its distinctive script, FedEx with the hidden arrow
Sound Mark
Protects a distinctive sound associated with a brand. Requires the sound to function as a brand identifier.
Examples
NBC chimes, Intel jingle, MGM lion roar
Color Mark
Protects a specific color or color combination used to identify goods/services. Requires proof of acquired distinctiveness.
Examples
Tiffany blue, UPS brown, Louboutin red sole
Ready to file? Choose your path
File directly with USPTO or use a filing service for guided assistance.
Trademark Engine
Affordable DIY-assisted filing
Guided trademark filing with attorney review. Good middle ground between full DIY and hiring a law firm.
Start with Trademark EngineLegalZoom
Attorney-backed trademark services
Full-service trademark filing with licensed attorneys. Best if you want professional oversight throughout the process.
View LegalZoom PlansRocket Lawyer
Legal platform with trademark tools
Trademark filing as part of a broader legal services platform. Includes free consultations with attorneys.
Try Rocket LawyerUSPTO TEAS (Direct)
File directly with the USPTO
File your trademark application directly through the USPTO's Trademark Electronic Application System. No middleman, no service fees.
Go to USPTO TEASNo affiliate relationship
Affiliate disclosure: TrademarkHub earns a commission from some filing services listed above. This does not affect our editorial content.
Ready to protect your brand?
Read our step-by-step guide, then file directly on USPTO TEAS.