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TRADEMARK STUDY Check if your trademark is available for registration.
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TRADEMARK MONITORING Our AI search will constantly monitor Trademark Registers for any similar marks.
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Submit an online form in order to request your trademark registration in United States. You can pay later or have your personal consultant check your form first.
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Here is my response to the question of whether a US trademark is valid abroad.
Trademark protection in the United States is primarily built around federal registration. The country follows a first-to-use system, meaning that rights arise from actual use of a mark in commerce, but registration is the key tool for enforcing and protecting those rights at scale.
Federal trademarks are registered through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and provide nationwide protection across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.
State trademark registration exists as a secondary option, designed mainly for local or early-stage businesses or when you can’t register federally.
This page explains how trademark registration works in the United States, how federal and state protection differ, and how Bonamark supports businesses throughout the entire trademark lifecycle.
Federal trademark registration is the primary and most reliable way to protect a brand in the U.S.
A federally registered trademark:
When filing a trademark application with the USPTO, one of the following bases must be selected:
Use in Commerce
The trademark is already used in U.S. commerce for the listed goods or services.
Intent to Use
The trademark is not yet used but will be used in the future. Registration is completed only after use is proven.
Foreign Registration / International Registration
Available under international agreements, provided that the U.S. application matches the foreign registration.
Choosing the correct filing basis is critical. An incorrect basis often leads to refusals, delays, or additional costs later in the process.
A U.S. federal trademark:
The United States applies a per-class fee system based on the Nice Classification of goods and services.
USD $350–$550 per class, depending on the filing option selected.
An additional surcharge applies for non-standard goods or services descriptions.
These are government fees only and are paid directly to the USPTO.
Professional service fees (for preparation, strategy, and filing support) are separate and depend on the complexity of the application.
Understanding fee structure upfront helps avoid unexpected costs during examination or post-filing stages.
State trademark registration provides limited protection within a single state. It may be useful for businesses operating only locally, but it does not replace federal registration.
State registration may be appropriate when:
Even in these cases, many businesses still choose federal registration for broader enforcement and long-term value.
Federal registration provides nationwide rights and stronger enforcement tools. State registration is narrower and can be easier or faster in some jurisdictions, but it is limited by geography.
A strong trademark search is one of the most important steps before filing. It reduces the risk of refusals, oppositions, and costly rebrands later.
A proper search includes:
Search quality matters. Missing an existing conflict can lead to refusals, legal disputes, and lost investment.
Registering a trademark in the United States is a structured process with multiple stages, including filing, examination, publication, and registration.
The exact timeline depends on your filing basis, goods/services classification, and whether the USPTO issues objections (Office Actions) or receives opposition from third parties.
Common mistakes that lead to refusals or delays include:
Many of these issues can be avoided with proper preparation and strategic review before filing.
After filing, the USPTO examines the application for legal compliance and conflicts with existing marks. If the examiner finds issues, they issue an Office Action.
Office Actions may involve:
Responding correctly and on time is essential to keep the application moving forward.
U.S. trademarks require ongoing maintenance. Missing deadlines can result in cancellation, even if the mark is still in use.
A U.S. trademark is valid for 10 years from the registration date. To keep it active, a Declaration of Use must be filed between the 5th and 6th year, and renewals must be submitted every 10 years.
A registered trademark may be cancelled for reasons such as non-use, likelihood of confusion, genericness, or fraud. Cancellation proceedings are handled through formal legal processes.
Businesses often need more than registration alone. Additional trademark services may include:
Bonamark offers structured guidance throughout the trademark process, including:
This approach reduces procedural risk and helps ensure long-term brand protection.
Contact Bonamark to ensure your trademark is filed correctly.
Our consultants can guide you through federal and state trademark registration in the United States.
Trademark registration is not legally required to operate a business in the United States. However, without registration, trademark protection is limited and harder to enforce. Federal registration provides nationwide rights and stronger legal protection.
Federal trademark registration provides nationwide protection across all U.S. states and territories and is issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). State trademark registration protects a mark only within one specific state.
The official USPTO filing fee ranges from $350 to $550 per class, depending on the filing option selected. Additional costs may apply for multiple classes or non-standard goods and services descriptions.
Trademark registration in the United States typically takes between 8 and 14 months. The timeline depends on the filing basis, examination complexity, and whether objections or oppositions arise.
Yes. Foreign companies and non-U.S. residents may register trademarks in the United States. Applications can be filed based on use in commerce, intent to use, or foreign registration.
Yes. The United States allows Intent-to-Use trademark applications. Registration is completed after the applicant submits acceptable proof of use in U.S. commerce.
A U.S. trademark is valid for 10 years from the registration date. To keep it active, a Declaration of Use must be filed between the 5th and 6th year, and renewals must be submitted every 10 years.
Yes. A registered trademark may be cancelled for reasons such as non-use, likelihood of confusion, genericness, or fraud. Cancellation proceedings are handled through formal legal processes.
