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If your company is profitable, somebody is going to try to lure clients and income away from you. They could open a business with the same name, sell products with the same labels, or even counterfeit your work. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office registers eligible trademarks and service marks granting you the benefit of using federal law to protect your company. This includes the same name, confusingly similar names, counterfeits, and imitations. Otherwise, you'll have to sue in state court using standard laws and prove unfair competition.
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Registration Fees
The federal application fee is $325 for an electronic submission ($375 for paper). A more rigorous application is $275.
After five years, an optional Declaration of Incontestability will cost $200 to prove you are the true and absolute owner.
Between the 5th and 6th year, you must file a Declaration of Continued Use for $100. Otherwise, the registration will terminate.
Between the 9th and 10th year, a Declaration of Continued Use ($100) and Application for Renewal ($400) must be filed. Otherwise, the mark expires.
Every 10 years after that, you must file both Declaration of Continued Use and Application for Renewal ($500 total). Otherwise, the mark expires.
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