If you're launching a business, product, or brand, securing your trademark is a smart step to protect your identity in the marketplace. While it’s possible to file a trademark on your own, many entrepreneurs and business owners choose to work with a trademark attorney for peace of mind and stronger legal protection.
Naturally, one of the most common questions people ask is: How much does a trademark attorney cost? The answer depends on several factors, including the complexity of your application, the scope of services you need, and the attorney's experience.
Let’s explore what goes into the cost of hiring a trademark attorney—and why it’s often worth the investment.
The Basics of Trademark Attorney Fees
Trademark attorneys typically charge in one of three ways:
Flat Fees
Hourly Rates
Retainers (for ongoing work)
For most standard trademark applications, many attorneys offer flat-fee packages that cover the core services involved in filing. This gives clients clarity and predictability, which is especially helpful for startups and small businesses working with tight budgets.
Typical Flat-Fee Trademark Services
Here’s a general idea of what flat-fee trademark services might include:
Comprehensive trademark search: $300 – $600
This includes a deep search of the USPTO database and other public records to identify any potentially conflicting marks.Trademark application preparation and filing: $500 – $1,500
This covers drafting and submitting the application with the correct classifications and legal language, ensuring it's properly filed with the USPTO.Responding to office actions (if needed): $200 – $1,000+
If the USPTO raises any issues, such as a likelihood of confusion or a technical mistake, the attorney can draft a legal response on your behalf. Some firms bundle this into their original fee, while others charge separately.
In total, you might expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 for complete trademark services, not including the USPTO’s government filing fee (which typically ranges from $250 to $350 per class of goods or services).
Hourly Rates for Trademark Attorneys
In some cases—especially with complex trademark issues, international filings, or disputes—attorneys may bill by the hour. Rates vary based on location and experience but generally fall in the range of:
$200 to $500 per hour
This may apply if you’re seeking legal advice on enforcement, opposition proceedings, or infringement matters rather than just filing a new application.
Why Costs Can Vary
The cost of hiring a trademark attorney isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here are a few factors that can influence pricing:
The uniqueness of your trademark: Common or descriptive trademarks may face more obstacles, requiring more legal work.
Number of trademark classes: The more categories of goods/services you want to protect, the more time and filing fees are involved.
Previous filings or office actions: If you're hiring an attorney to fix a previously rejected or poorly filed application, additional work is needed.
Attorney experience and location: A seasoned trademark attorney in a major metro area may charge more than someone newer to the field or based in a smaller town.
Is a Trademark Attorney Worth the Cost?
It’s understandable to want to keep costs down when starting a business. But filing a trademark incorrectly can end up costing you much more in the long run. If your application is denied due to an avoidable error, you may lose your filing fee, waste valuable time, and risk your brand being vulnerable to infringement.
A qualified trademark attorney helps you:
Avoid conflicts with existing marks
File your application correctly the first time
Respond effectively to USPTO office actions
Enforce your rights if someone tries to use your brand
In many cases, the cost of a trademark attorney is a small price to pay for long-term brand protection.
Looking for a Trademark Attorney in Orlando?
If you're searching for an experienced trademark attorney in Orlando, Braslow Legal offers clear, affordable pricing and personalized service. Whether you’re just starting your brand or managing a growing trademark portfolio, our team can help you protect what matters most with confidence.
Final Thoughts
So, how much is a trademark attorney? While the cost can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, the value they bring to the table—legal strategy, peace of mind, and protection from future problems—often far outweighs the upfront expense.
If your brand is important to your business (and it almost always is), working with a trademark attorney isn’t just a cost—it’s an investment in your future success.