Trademark Cost in California: Things You Should Know

When beginning a company in California, one of the key actions is defending your brand. A trademark is the legal protection for your brand name, logo, or slogan so that nobody else can utilize it in such a manner as to cause confusion among consumers. If you’re considering registering a trademark, understanding the trademark cost in California and associated fees is critical to your planning.

This guide will walk you through the California trademark filing fee, trademark registration cost in the state, and everything you need to know in order to protect your intellectual property.

Understanding Trademark Costs in California

These fees vary based on filing classes, filing method, and whether an attorney is hired.

The Trademark Costs in California may also differ depending on several situations, including the number of filing classes the trademark is being done in, how you choose to file, and whether or not you choose to hire an attorney to help. The state fee and the federal fee will usually be covered in the price, depending on where you file the trademark.

In California, corporations can acquire a state trademark in the office of the Secretary of State of California for a fee, potentially less than filing an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). However, having an application reviewed by the USPTO ensures national protection, which may be appropriate for corporations doing business throughout California. The filing fee for a state trademark in California is typically less than the federal fee, but companies planning national or global expansion prefer federal registration.

Breakdown of the California Trademark Filing Fee

Depending on the specific cases, the filing fee may be different

The California trademark filing fee for registering a trademark with the state is usually around $70 per class of goods or services. A class would be the category of product or service that the trademark is being applied to. If a business sells clothing and accessories, it would need to register for two separate classes, each with a $70 filing cost.

The fee for registering a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is higher, at between $250 and $350 per class of goods or services, depending on the form you submit. The USPTO filing is more complex but provides more protection in all 50 states. This is a good choice for businesses that will be growing out of California, which provides them with trademark rights nationwide.

Understanding the Costs Involved

The cost of a trademark in California depends on whether you file with the state or the federal government.

So, how much is a trademark in California? The trademark cost in California can vary depending on whether you choose to file with the state or the federal government. For a state filing, as mentioned earlier, the California trademark filing fee is typically $70 per class, while federal filings range from $250 to $350 per class. The key difference is that while state registration only covers California, federal registration provides nationwide protection.

The California trademark filing fee only covers the cost of filing your application. If you choose to hire a trademark attorney, you will incur additional costs. Lawyers can ensure your application is done in the right way and help deal with any legal problems that might develop. Lawyers can range in price from $100 to $500 an hour flexibly, depending on how experienced they are and how complicated the case is.

Fee for Trademarking a Name in California

If you wish to protect your business name, then you may be concerned how much does it cost to trademark a name in California. The California trademark filing fee applies to any trademark, including business names. If you are submitting to the state office, then it is generally $70 for each class of goods or services as described above.

But if your company name extends beyond the state of California or you desire to grow nationally or internationally, federal filing with the USPTO would be more appropriate. Though federal filing is costlier, it grants greater protection for your company name, safeguarding your brand across the country and geographies. This facility is particularly priceless for companies crafted for national growth.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Apart from the regular filing fee, businesses also need to consider the cost of other services that will be required in the course of registering a trademark. These include:

There are 3 major services businesses should consider while registering a trademark

• Trademark Search: You will need to search before applying for a trademark so that you can check to determine if another company has already registered the same or similar mark. A trademark search will cost flexibly, depending on the provider and if you pay for an exhaustive search.
• Legal Assistance: Although not compulsory, most corporations like to have the services of an attorney who will assist in filing for a trademark. Lawyers specializing in trademark law charge anything from $100 to $500 an hour as mentioned above, and their services can be costly depending on how complex the filing is.
• Trademark Maintenance: After registering, you may be forced to maintain your trademark through the payment of some fees and submission of some documents from time to time. The maintenance fees range from $100 to $500 depending on the type of trademark and jurisdiction. Fees are usually collected every 5 to 10 years in order to keep the life and protection of the trademark intact.

Why It’s Important to Consider the Trademark Cost in California

Even while trademark cost in California plays an important consideration, it ought not to be ignored that registration of a trademark has long-term benefits. Trademark registration shields your brand from other people using a similar name, logo, or slogan that could confuse your customers. It also allows you to seek enforcement of your rights in court when someone infringes your trademark, giving legal protection to your intellectual property.

Through trademark registration, you get the sole right to use the mark in connection with your goods or services, and hence your brand reputation and value are increased. The registered trademark can be licensed or assigned as well, which generates further revenue for your business. The benefits of trademark registration are much greater than the registration cost, and it is a valuable protection for your business's intellectual property.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the trademark cost in California is subject to variation based on the filing option and the complexity of your trademark application. Whether you choose to file with the California Secretary of State or the USPTO, it’s essential to understand the associated fees and costs. By ensuring that you file correctly and manage the trademark throughout its life, you can protect your business and avoid legal issues.

If you are ready to start your trademark registration, you can take the services of a professional who will lead you through the complexities of trademark law. One IBC USA help ensures that you fulfill all the legal requirements and register your trademark in a correct way, safeguarding your business from any legal complications.