We live in a competitive world where every company wants to stand out. But standing out isn’t enough—you also need to protect your brand. Your brand name, logo, or slogan is valuable, and protecting it is essential to avoid future conflicts. One of the best ways to protect your brand’s identity is by securing a federal trademark.
Not sure how much it costs to trademark a name in Michigan? You’re in the right place. We’re here to walk you through the full breakdown of trademark costs as of 2025—from government filing fees to attorney services and additional maintenance costs.
USPTO Trademark Application Fee (Updated 2025)
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) charges a standard fee depending on how the application is filed and the number of classes (types of goods/services) you include.
- Basic Application Fee: $250–$350 per class of goods or services.
- $250 for TEAS Plus applications (limited flexibility).
- $350 for TEAS Standard applications (more flexibility in describing goods/services).
These fees are charged per class, meaning if your brand covers multiple categories, you’ll pay for each one.
USPTO Filing and Maintenance Fees
In addition to the initial application cost, the USPTO also charges fees at various stages during the trademark lifecycle:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Statement of Use (for Intent-to-Use Applications) | $100–$200 per class |
| Extension to File Statement of Use | $125 per request (up to 5 times every 6 months) |
| Declaration of Use (5th–6th year) | $225 per class |
| Incontestability Filing (Section 15) | $200 per class |
| Renewal (every 10 years) | $525 per class (combined Section 8 & 9 filing) |
| Late Fees (within 6-month grace period) | Additional $100 per class |
Note: Failing to file maintenance documents on time can result in cancellation of your trademark.
Attorney Fees
While you can file on your own, hiring a trademark attorney often improves your chances of approval and helps avoid costly mistakes.
| Service | Average Fee |
|---|---|
| Trademark Search | $300–$600 |
| Trademark Filing | $600–$950 (flat rate for basic filing) |
| Responding to Office Actions or Legal Complications | Varies ($200–$1,000+ depending on complexity) |
Choosing the right attorney with experience in trademark law can save you significant time and money.
Trademark Search Fees
Before filing, it’s essential to search for existing trademarks that might conflict with your brand. Options include:
- Basic Search via USPTO Website (TESS): Free
- Comprehensive Professional Search: $300–$1,000+
Thorough searches reduce the risk of rejection and legal disputes later.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Some situations may come with extra costs:
- International Protection & Monitoring Services
- Opposition Proceedings or Legal Disputes
- Brand Watch Services
Also, registering your trademark in more than one class or filing Intent-to-Use applications can increase overall costs.
Difference Between a Common Law and a Registered Trademark
- Common Law Trademark: Automatically acquired by using your brand in commerce. Offers limited legal protection and only within your geographic area.
- Registered Trademark: Offers nationwide protection, legal ownership, and the right to use the ® symbol. It also gives you stronger legal standing if someone infringes on your rights.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Trademark?
The trademark registration process isn’t instant—it typically takes 8 to 12 months to complete, and sometimes even longer depending on complications. After submitting your application to the USPTO, it goes through several stages:
- Initial Review: Within 3–4 months, an examining attorney reviews your application.
- Office Action (if any): If issues are found, you’ll be given time to respond. Resolving these can take several months.
- Publication Period: If approved, your mark is published for 30 days, allowing others to oppose it.
- Registration: If no opposition is filed (or it’s resolved), the USPTO will issue a registration certificate.
Tip: Filing correctly the first time, using the right trademark class, and responding quickly to any Office Actions can help you avoid delays.
While waiting for approval, you can still use the ™ symbol with your brand, but the ® symbol can only be used once the registration is complete.
Cost Summary: How Much Does It Cost to Trademark in Michigan (2025)
| Cost Type | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| USPTO Application Fee | $250–$350 per class |
| Attorney Fee (Filing) | $600–$950 |
| Comprehensive Search | $300–$1,000 |
| Statement of Use (if needed) | $100–$200 |
| Maintenance (5th Year) | $225 |
| Renewal (10-Year) | $525 |
| Other Legal Fees | Varies by case |
Ready to Protect Your Brand?
Don’t leave your brand vulnerable. Whether you’re a small business or an established company, protecting your brand name is a smart investment.
Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you trademark your name in Michigan. From trademark search to filing and beyond—we’re here every step of the way.
👉 Contact us now to get started!
