USPTO Increases Trademark Filing Fees

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is starting 2025 off with some major changes to the trademark filing process and cost. Along with a more straightforward filing process—led by the switch from two application options to one—applicants will also see higher prices for new filings. In addition, the USPTO is introducing some charges meant to encourage accurate filings and reduce rejected applications.

These changes go into effect January 18, 2025. Below are the key updates that first-time and returning trademark filers should be aware of.

What trademark fees are changing?

The USPTO is adjusting pricing across the board related to federal trademark registration and upkeep. Here are the most important updates to keep in mind.

Changes to trademark application structure and fees

As of January 18, there is only one trademark application option: the base application. It costs $350 per class and is submitted via the Trademark Center.

Previously, you could register a trademark with the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) Plus application for $250 per class or TEAS Standard for $350 per class.

Other trademark fee changes

While added charges are never fun, they are at least predictable under the new USPTO trademark price structure. Outside of the new application, the most impactful fees being introduced are as follows:

• Writing custom descriptions of your goods/services instead of using a description found in the Trademark ID Manual: $200 per class
• Each additional group of 1,000 characters in the free-form description box: $200 per class
• Insufficient information on your base application, such as missing applicant citizenship status or the requested mark’s color details: $100 per class

Renewal fees, intent-to-use fees, and fees for petition filings or letters of protest are also increasing, per the USPTO 2025 summary.

Why are trademark prices changing?

Federal trademark fees are changing to accommodate a projected 5.5% increase in USPTO maintenance and core operation costs over the next four years.

The USPTO estimates a $122 million dollar increase in spending during the 2025 fiscal year, from about $4.44 billion in 2024 to $4.56 billion. This increase includes a $224 million adjustment for projected inflation, as well as a downward adjustment of $102 million, thanks to the implementation of more efficient systems.

These broad factors make up much of the fee-adjustment reasoning, but some of the new fees are meant to address specific ongoing costs. For example, applicants can free-write goods and services descriptions (rather than using pre-written versions) requiring careful and costly attorney review. The new $200 per-class fee for writing your own descriptions is meant to address this directly.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office is introducing new fees to accommodate administrative costs, including a $100 per-class insufficient application information fee. It’s more important than ever to ensure you submit your application right the first time. That’s where Northwest’s Trademark Service, through Law on Call, comes in handy. Law on Call’s experienced attorneys can represent you in the registration of your mark regardless of which state you reside in, as they have with thousands of others. They will also answer questions and be your liaison with the USPTO throughout the process. Get in touch with Northwest today!