As part of its ongoing efforts to address rising operational costs, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has announced a series of trademark filing fee increases that went into effect January 18, 2025. These changes include increases to the application and renewal filing fees, and—for the first time—charges based on the number of characters in the description of goods or services. Tactical selection and identification of goods and services is more important than ever, as a well-informed strategy can help offset fees while still ensuring maximum trademark protection.
We have outlined the key fee changes below, so you can stay informed and plan accordingly.
Key Changes in Trademark Filing Fees:
1) Initial Application Fees:
- Base Applications:
- Previously: $250 per class
- Now: $350 per class
- Note: “Base applications,” formerly TEAS Plus applications, continue to provide the most cost-effective filing fees. This option is only available by selecting pre-selected goods and services descriptions from the USPTO’s Trademark ID Manual.
- Applications with Custom Identification of Goods and Services:
- Previously: $350 per class
- Now: $550 per class
- Note: Custom identifications allow for more flexible descriptions of goods and services but at a higher fee.
The USPTO also now charges additional fees if the number of characters in the description of goods or services exceeds certain thresholds:
- For applications exceeding 1,000 characters in the description of goods/services:
- Additional Fee: $200 per extra 1,000 characters per class
- Impact: If your goods/services description is long or complex, this additional charge could significantly affect the overall cost of filing.
Tip: To avoid these additional fees, we recommend reviewing your goods and services description carefully with a Buchalter trademark professional to ensure that it is as concise as possible while still fully capturing your product or service.
The USPTO will now also add a surcharge for missing information in trademark applications.
- Applications with Insufficient Information:
- Surcharge: $100 per class
- Note: This fee applies to basic missing information such as Applicant contact information and citizenship as well as additional details such as English translations, prior registrations that should be referenced, and verified statements.
Tip: It is now more important than ever to carefully review trademark applications before approving and signing to avoid new surcharges. If you have questions or concerns about an application, working with a trademark professional can help save costs.
2) Post-Application Fees:
- Statement of Use:
- Previously: $100 per class
- Now: $150 per class
- Extensions to File Statement of Use filing fees remain $125 per class.
3) Post-Registration Maintenance Filing Fees:
- Section 8 Declarations:
- Previously: $225 per class
- Now: $325 per class
- Section 9 Registration Renewal Applications:
- Previously: $300 per class
- Now: $325 per class
- Section 15 Declarations:
- Previously: $200 per class
- Now: $250 per class
How These Changes May Impact Your Filing Strategy:
These fee increases underscore the importance of careful planning of your trademark portfolio. As the fees for initial filings, maintenance, and other post-application actions have risen year over year, it may be beneficial to consider strategic filing decisions sooner rather than later.
We strongly encourage you to review your portfolio and any upcoming filings with us to ensure that you are maximizing the value of your trademarks while managing costs. If you have any pending applications or are planning new filings, acting soon may help avoid additional costs.
