How to Trademark an App or Software Name (2026 Guide)
Owning the .com doesn't stop a competitor from registering your app's name. This guide shows founders exactly how to protect an app or software brand with a federal USPTO trademark — the right class, the search, and the filing.
Free Trademark Search →Why your app name needs a federal trademark
Tech founders obsess over the domain and the code and forget the brand name itself. Your app's name is a trademark issue, not just a domain issue — securing the URL and the App Store handle does not give you legal ownership of the name. A federal trademark gives you nationwide exclusive rights, helps you remove copycat apps from stores, and is something investors increasingly check before they fund. Because U.S. rights are first-to-file, register before you launch or raise.
Class 9 vs. Class 42 — which one do you need?
It depends on how your software is delivered. Class 9 covers downloadable software and mobile apps users install. Class 42 covers non-downloadable software, SaaS, and platforms accessed in the cloud. Many modern products need both — for example, a mobile app (Class 9) backed by a web platform (Class 42). Map your delivery model to the right class before filing.
How to file, step by step
1. Run a comprehensive search. Check the USPTO database and common-law uses for conflicting software marks, including phonetic matches, to avoid a refusal. 2. Choose your classes. Class 9, Class 42, or both, based on how the product is delivered. 3. File your name and logo. Register the product name as a word mark and the logo as a design mark. Same-day filing is available with Secure Mark USA.
Ready to protect your app or software brand?
Lock in your product name with a federal trademark from $99 plus government fees.
Start Your RegistrationFrequently asked questions
What class do I trademark an app name in?
Downloadable apps and software are USPTO Class 9; non-downloadable/SaaS software is Class 42. Many products file in both.
Is owning the domain enough to protect my app name?
No. A domain and an app-store handle are first-come availability; a trademark is a legal right to the name for your goods or services. You can own the domain and still lose the name to someone with a registered trademark.
How much does it cost to trademark an app name?
Secure Mark USA's service starts at $99 plus the USPTO fee of $350 per class. A product that files in both Class 9 and Class 42 pays the government fee twice.
Should I trademark before launching my app?
Yes, ideally. You can file an intent-to-use application before launch to secure your priority date, which matters because U.S. rights are largely first-to-file.
Do I need a lawyer to trademark an app name?
U.S.-domiciled applicants are not required to use an attorney. Secure Mark USA provides expert filing support and is not a law firm.
Helpful resources
Trademark Registration Free Trademark Search Trademark Classes Trademark Cost Comprehensive Search
Protect your software brand today
Secure Mark USA makes federal trademark registration simple, fast, and affordable for app and software founders.
Free Trademark Search →