How to Trademark Your Startup Name
Search for conflicts before you commit to a name, then register it with the USPTO. Rights start with use in commerce, and federal registration adds nationwide notice and stronger enforcement. The USPTO base application fee is $350 per class of goods or services.
The sequence
- Search the USPTO database and the market for similar names in your field.
- Choose goods or services classes that match what you sell.
- File the application and respond to any office actions.
- Use the mark consistently and keep registration current.
Common pitfalls
- Picking a name that merely describes the product.
- Building a brand before searching for conflicts.
- Registering in the wrong class.
When to get help
A trademark attorney can run a clearance search and handle objections. Trademark practice is separate from patent practice, so choose counsel who does it regularly.
Questions
Do I have to register a trademark?
No, rights can arise from use, but federal registration adds benefits such as nationwide notice and a stronger basis for enforcement.
How much does it cost to file a trademark?
The USPTO's base application fee is $350 per class, though additional fees can apply. Check the USPTO fee page before you file.
Keep reading
Sources
General information, not legal or financial advice. Reviewed 10 November 2026.