How to Trademark a Game Studio Name
Your studio name is the brand players remember and storefronts display. A federal trademark protects that name across the U.S. and stops copycat studios from riding on your reputation.
Free Trademark Search →Which trademark class covers a game studio name?
Game studios usually file in USPTO Class 41 for entertainment services and Class 9 for downloadable games. Class 41 covers "entertainment services, namely, providing online video games" and game development as a service, while Class 9 covers the downloadable game software and mobile apps themselves. If your studio also sells merchandise such as apparel (Class 25) or offers a cloud-based SaaS platform (Class 42), you may need those classes too. Because a trademark only protects the goods and services you list, most studios file in both Class 41 and Class 9 to cover how players actually experience and buy their games.
How much does it cost to trademark a game studio name?
Trademarking a game studio name costs from $99 for Secure Mark USA's preparation service plus the $350-per-class USPTO fee. A single-class filing in Class 41 is $99 plus $350, while the common two-class filing (Class 41 and Class 9) is $99 plus $700 in USPTO fees. There are no ongoing charges to obtain the registration, though maintenance filings are due between years 5 and 6 and again at year 10. For a studio planning to launch on Steam, the App Store, or console marketplaces, that is a small cost to lock down the name before release.
How do you trademark a game studio name step by step?
Begin with a clearance search, then file with the USPTO and respond to any examiner questions. The steps are: (1) run a free trademark search to confirm your studio name and any flagship title are available; (2) choose the right classes — typically Class 41 and Class 9; (3) prepare the application with your entity name, wordmark or logo, and a precise description of your games and services; (4) file with the USPTO and pay the per-class fee; (5) respond to any Office Action; and (6) provide a specimen, such as a store listing, showing the name in use. Trademark registration ties it together — Secure Mark USA files your USPTO application so your studio's intellectual property and brand protection are secured before launch.
Lock down your studio's name before launch
Secure Mark USA prepares and files your USPTO trademark application from $99 plus the $350-per-class fee. Protect your brand across storefronts and platforms.
Start Your RegistrationKey takeaways
- Game studios typically trademark their name in USPTO Class 41 (entertainment/game services) and Class 9 (downloadable games).
- Federal registration protects your studio name nationwide, not just in one state or on one storefront.
- Filing costs from $99 plus the $350-per-class USPTO fee, with no attorney required for U.S.-domiciled applicants.
- U.S. trademark rights are largely first-to-file, so registering before your public reveal is smart.
- Secure Mark USA is a USPTO filing service, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What class do I file a game studio trademark in?
Most studios file in Class 41 for entertainment and online game services and Class 9 for downloadable game software. If you also offer a SaaS platform, add Class 42, and for merchandise add the relevant goods class such as Class 25 for apparel.
Should I trademark my studio name or my game title?
Often both. Your studio name is a long-term brand asset, while a flagship game title can also be registered. Many studios trademark the studio name first, then file separately for major titles.
How much does it cost to trademark a game studio name?
Filing costs from $99 for Secure Mark USA's service plus the $350-per-class USPTO fee. A two-class filing in Class 41 and Class 9 is $99 plus $700 in USPTO fees.
Can I file before my game is released?
Yes. You can file an intent-to-use application before launch to reserve your rights, then submit a specimen once the game is publicly available. Because U.S. rights are largely first-to-file, filing early is an advantage.
Is Secure Mark USA a law firm?
No. Secure Mark USA is a USPTO trademark filing service, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. U.S.-domiciled applicants are not required to use an attorney to file.
Helpful resources
Trademark Registration · Free Trademark Search · USPTO Trademark Classes · Trademark Registration Cost · Trademark Monitoring
Ready to trademark your game studio's name?
Run a free trademark search to confirm your name is clear, then let Secure Mark USA file your USPTO application from $99 plus the $350-per-class fee.
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