The Cheapest Way to Trademark a Name (2026 Guide)
Want the cheapest way to trademark a name without risking costly mistakes? Here are your real options, what each actually costs, and how to keep the total bill as low as possible.
Free Trademark Search →What it costs to trademark a name (compared)
| Option | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| File yourself (USPTO direct) | $350 per class (government fee only) | Confident DIY filers comfortable with classifications and specimens |
| Affordable filing service (Secure Mark USA) | From $99 + the $350-per-class USPTO fee | Most small businesses wanting a search and correct filing at low cost |
| Trademark attorney | Typically several hundred to over a thousand dollars + the USPTO fee | Complex marks, disputes, or international filings |
Your options, cheapest to most expensive
At the low end, you can file yourself and pay only the USPTO's $350-per-class government fee — but you take on the search, classification, and specimen yourself. An affordable filing service like Secure Mark USA sits just above that, adding a comprehensive search and expert preparation from $99 plus the government fee. At the high end, a trademark attorney costs the most and is best reserved for complex or contested cases. For most small businesses, the middle option balances low cost with a much lower risk of mistakes.
Why the cheapest filing is not always the cheapest outcome
The biggest hidden cost in trademarking a name is the Office Action — a USPTO refusal triggered by a conflicting mark, a wrong class, or an invalid specimen. Responding to one costs time and money and can derail your registration. Paying a little for a comprehensive search and correct preparation up front is usually cheaper overall than filing blind and paying to fix problems later.
How to trademark a name affordably and correctly
To keep costs low without gambling: run a comprehensive search first to catch conflicts, file in only the classes you actually need, use accurate descriptions to avoid surcharges, and submit a valid specimen. Secure Mark USA bundles the search and expert filing from $99 plus the $350-per-class USPTO fee, which keeps the total low while reducing the risk of an expensive refusal.
Trademark your name from $99
Get a comprehensive search and expert USPTO filing at a low flat fee — and avoid expensive mistakes.
Start Your RegistrationFrequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to trademark a name?
Filing directly with the USPTO ($350 per class) is the lowest sticker price, but an affordable service like Secure Mark USA (from $99 plus the government fee) adds a search and expert preparation that helps avoid costly Office Actions.
Can I trademark a name for free?
No. The USPTO charges a government fee of $350 per class, which cannot be waived. You can, however, run a free trademark search first to check availability before you pay to file.
How much is the USPTO trademark fee?
The base USPTO application fee is $350 per class of goods or services, with possible surcharges for custom descriptions or incomplete applications.
Is it cheaper to file a trademark myself?
Filing yourself avoids a service fee, but it puts the search, classification, and specimen on you. Mistakes that trigger an Office Action often cost more than an affordable service would have.
How much does Secure Mark USA charge to trademark a name?
Secure Mark USA files from $99 plus the $350-per-class USPTO fee, with a comprehensive search included. We are a filing service and not a law firm.
Helpful resources
Low-Cost Registration Trademark Cost Trademark Registration Free Trademark Search Comprehensive Search
The smart-cheap way to protect your name
Secure Mark USA keeps your total low with a comprehensive search and expert USPTO filing from $99 plus government fees.
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