How to Trademark a Nonprofit Name

Which trademark class does a nonprofit name fall under?

Most nonprofits file in USPTO Class 36 for charitable fundraising, and often add Class 45 for charitable and social services. The correct class depends on what your organization actually does: an educational nonprofit that runs training programs may also file in Class 41 (education and training), while a research or advocacy group may need Class 42 or Class 45. Because a trademark protects your name only for the services you list, choosing the right class (or classes) is the single most important part of the application. If your nonprofit both raises funds and delivers programs, filing in more than one class gives broader brand protection.

How much does it cost to trademark a nonprofit name?

Filing a nonprofit trademark costs from $99 for Secure Mark USA's preparation service plus the $350-per-class USPTO government fee. So a single-class application is $99 plus $350, and a two-class application (for example Class 36 and Class 45) is $99 plus $700 in USPTO fees. There are no recurring charges to obtain the registration, though you must file maintenance documents between years 5 and 6 and again at year 10 to keep it active. Nonprofits are not exempt from USPTO fees, but the investment is small compared to the cost of rebranding after a naming conflict.

How do you file a trademark for a nonprofit, step by step?

Start with a clearance search, then file the application with the USPTO and respond to any examiner questions. The process runs like this: (1) run a free trademark search to confirm your name is available; (2) identify the correct class(es) for your fundraising and program services; (3) prepare the application with your organization's legal name, logo or wordmark, and a clear description of services; (4) file with the USPTO and pay the per-class fee; (5) respond to any Office Action if the examining attorney raises an issue; and (6) submit a specimen showing the name in use. This is where trademark registration connects the dots — Secure Mark USA prepares and files your USPTO application so your nonprofit's intellectual property and brand protection are handled correctly from the start.

Key takeaways

• Most nonprofits trademark their name in USPTO Class 36 (charitable fundraising) and Class 45 (charitable and social services).
• Federal registration protects your nonprofit's name across all 50 states, unlike a state incorporation or DBA.
• Filing costs from $99 plus the $350-per-class USPTO fee, with no requirement to hire an attorney if you are U.S.-domiciled.
• U.S. trademark rights are largely first-to-file, so registering early beats waiting.
• Secure Mark USA is a USPTO filing service, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice.

Frequently asked questions