Trademark fees at the USPTO rest on 15 U.S.C. 1113, the statutory basis for every fee the agency charges on the trademark side. It authorizes the Director to set fees for filing and processing trademark applications and related services, to recover the estimated costs of the trademark operation, and to adjust fees annually for inflation with advance notice.
Where the Actual Trademark Fees Live
The actual dollar amounts live in USPTO regulations and change periodically, so always check the current fee schedule before quoting a client. Filings which do not meet requirements can forfeit fees, and registrations require paid maintenance filings over time to stay alive.
Budgeting Brand Projects
For budgeting brand projects, the practical takeaway is that fees are charged per class of goods or services. An agency scoping a naming engagement should build USPTO fees, and the risk of refiling costs after a refusal, into the project estimate rather than treating registration as a one time flat cost.
Source: United States Code: 15 U.S.C. 1113
Enforcement note: Trademark rights are enforced through private legal action rather than a government complaint office. If you believe a mark is being infringed, consult a trademark attorney.
