Introduction: Why “trademark cost” is more than just a filing fee
A trademark (TM) is part of your business moat. The price you see on a government website is only the start. Мost brands spend more because of attorney work, translations, renewals, and the “what-ifs” (office actions, data changes, extra classes). This guide breaks every cost down clearly so you can plan a realistic budget in the USA, European Union, and China for 2025.
What builds up the total cost (and why budgets creep)
Direct filing vs. intermediaries: filing yourself or with a local attorney can be cheaper on paper but time-intensive; intermediaries/platforms add service fees but can reduce risk and rework by giving you fixed quotes, country-specific guidance, and a single dashboard.
Country-by-country breakdown: what you pay for in 2025
1) United States (USPTO)
Official filing (per class): As of Jan 18, 2025 the USPTO replaced TEAS Plus/Standard with one base electronic application fee of $350 per class. If your application is incomplete or you use custom, free-text identifications, new surcharges may apply ($100–$200 per class), which is why well-prepared applications matter. USPTO
Other common government fees (examples):
- Intent-to-Use filings:
– Amendment to Allege Use (AAU): $150/class
– Statement of Use (SOU): $150/class
– Extension of time to file SOU: $125/class - Office-action timeline management: Extension of time to respond to a pre-registration office action: $125 (flat, not per class).
- Maintenance: Renewal (Section 9) $325/class; Section 8 declaration $325/class; Section 15 $250/class.
- Registration changes: Many amendments (e.g., owner/address) are $100.
(Official fee line items above: USPTO fee schedule effective Jan 19, 2025.)
Attorney fees (typical): From $200-$500 for a straightforward filing; responding to office actions is extra and depends on complexity (no separate USPTO fee to submit a response itself — your cost is primarily attorney time unless you need the extension noted above). USPTO
“Turnkey” via platform (e.g., iPNOTE): You’ll see fixed, all-in quotes from vetted US attorneys before you commit (no surprise markups), and you can compare offers in one place.
2) European Union (EUIPO)
Official filing (per mark):
- €850 for 1 class (online)
- +€50 for the 2nd class
- +€150 for each class from the 3rd onward
Renewal: same structure as filing (online renewal for one class is €850). EUIPO+1
Other procedures you might see:
- Opposition fee: €320 (if someone opposes your mark, or you oppose theirs). EUIPO
Attorney & translations: Expect €300-€700 for a standard filing package; translations/admin typically €100–€200 (depends on attorney/location and evidence prep).
SME grants (budget helper): The EUIPO SME Fund 2025 offers partial reimbursements (e.g., 50% on certain trade mark/design fees, including some international designations)—check eligibility and budget availability. EUIPO
3) China (CNIPA)
Official filing (e-application):
- CNY 270 per class (≈ $40), including up to 10 items; CNY 27 for each additional item beyond 10.
- Renewal: CNY 450 (≈ $60).
- Change of particulars: Free when e-filed (paper: CNY 150).
(Full official fee grid on CNIPA.) english.cnipa.gov.cn
Local agent is mandatory for foreign applicants: If you don’t have a registered presence in China, you must appoint a CNIPA-licensed trademark agency (Power of Attorney required). english.cnipa.gov.cn
Attorney & translations: Typical local-agent filing packages land $200–$400 for straightforward cases; $50–$150 for translations/POA/admin are common ranges (scope-dependent).
What makes up the final number (with a quick comparison)
Assumptions: 1 class, standard word/logo mark, online filing, no opposition, no custom ID surcharges (US), and minimal translation. Ranges reflect typical attorney/translation variability.
*Excludes oppositions, appeals, Madrid/WIPO fees, and multi-class add-ons.
Budget pitfalls to avoid
- Missing renewals ⟶ rights lapse, restoration costs more (or isn’t possible).
- Underestimating local-agent needs (China requires one; other countries: strongly recommended once you get objections).
- Wrong classes / poor IDs ⟶ re-filing or US surcharges for custom wording; use standard IDs where possible.
- Translations & POAs not budgeted (especially in China).
- Oppositions (EU has a formal €320 opposition fee, plus attorney time).
How to simplify pricing (and kill the “fine print”)
- Use the iPNOTE cost calculator to see up-front, jurisdiction-specific totals before you start.
- Transparent quotes: get exact “all-in” proposals (official fees + local attorney + translations), not estimates that inflate later.
- Country-by-country advice: know where DIY is fine and where you shouldn’t cut corners (e.g., China agent, US specimen strategy).
- AI assistant on iPNOTE suggests jurisdictions & classes, flags likely office-action risks, and recommends vetted local lawyers.
Why iPNOTE helps you control the budget
Bottom line: Clarity first, then registration
You don’t need to be an IP expert to manage TM costs — if you can see every line item, you can control the total. With 2025 fee changes (notably in the US), well-prepared filings and the right local help save real money. Run your numbers on iPNOTE, compare offers, and file where it’s smartest for your brand.
