Ohio has one of the highest state trademark fees in the country. Before you pay it, here is exactly what it buys, and when the federal registration is the smarter spend.
Run a free trademark searchOhio is a manufacturing and logistics powerhouse, from Columbus and Cincinnati to Cleveland, with brands that ship across the country. That is the tension with a $125 Ohio state trademark: it is one of the priciest state filings, and it still only protects your name in Ohio. "Ohio trademark" means one of two separate registrations. A state one goes through the Ohio Secretary of State; a federal one goes through the USPTO and covers all fifty states.
General information to help you decide, not legal advice. Trademark rights can depend on how and where a mark is used, the goods or services involved, prior users, and other facts. Source: Ohio Secretary of State, Register a Trademark or Service Mark. Secure Mark USA does not file Ohio state applications.
| Ohio state | Federal (USPTO) | |
|---|---|---|
| Filed with | Ohio Secretary of State | U.S. Patent and Trademark Office |
| Protects | Ohio only | All 50 states |
| Fee | $125 per class (one class per application) | $350 per class |
| Term | 10 years, renewable | 10 years, renewable |
| The (R) symbol | No | Yes |
A federal registration goes through the USPTO Trademark Center (which replaced the older TEAS platform). On current USPTO data, expect roughly 4.5 months to a first action and about 10 months to registration for a clean application, longer with a refusal, an Office Action, a suspension, or an opposition. Secure Mark USA prepares and files it for you from $99 plus the USPTO fee. Start with a free trademark search or read the complete U.S. registration guide.
Source: USPTO Trademarks Dashboard; USPTO, How much does it cost.
Run a free search. If the name is clear, we file your federal application from $99 plus USPTO fees.
Start my free searchOhio charges $125 per class, one class per application. It is simply a pricier state filing, and it still only covers Ohio. A federal registration covers all fifty states for $350 per class.
Federal. An Ohio only registration would not reach the out of state customers and competitors who make up most of your market.
No. Entity formation is separate from trademark rights and will not stop a competitor from using your brand name.
No. They are separate systems with separate records.
Only after the USPTO registers your mark federally, roughly ten months for a straightforward application, sometimes longer.
USPTO: Trademark Basics, How much does it cost, Trademarks Dashboard.
Ohio: Secretary of State, Register a Trademark.
Secure Mark USA: Free trademark search, Complete U.S. registration guide.