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Trademark Registration in US- Protect Your Brand Nationwide

Trademark applications in the U.S. are handled centrally by the USPTO. The USPTO examines, publishes, and registers trademarks under the federal system — granting protection across all 50 states and U.S. territories. The process includes formal and substantive examination, followed by publication, opposition period, and (if no valid opposition) registration. The system accepts various filing bases (use in commerce, intent to use, foreign/granted registrations) under U.S. Trademark law.

Last updated 5 October 2026

On this page
  1. At a glance
  2. Why register
  3. Our services
  4. Registration process
  5. Documents required
  6. Fees
  7. Timeline and renewal
  8. Client stories
  9. FAQ
  10. Insights
  11. Nearby countries

United States trademark registration at a glance

Classification
Nice Classification, 45 classes
Madrid Protocol
Yes, member since 2003
Language
English
Opposition period
30 days from publication (extendable up to 180 days)
Typical timeline
12 to 18 months without objections
Validity
10 years, renewable

* Timelines assume no objections or oppositions. Laws change, so contact us to confirm current requirements.

Why register your trademark in United States

  • Nationwide Protection

    Common law rights only protect you where you use the mark; federal registration covers the entire U.S.

  • Legal Presumption of Ownership

    Establishes a legal presumption that you own the mark, shifting the burden of proof in disputes.

  • Public Notice & Deterrence

    Puts the public on notice through the USPTO database, discouraging others from using similar marks and potentially preventing costly legal battles.

  • Use of the ® Symbol

    Allows you to use the ® symbol, signaling to the public that your mark is federally registered.

Our trademark services in United States

End-to-end support from our licensed in-country attorneys, from the first search to lifelong protection.

Trademark registration process in United States

Here is how to register a trademark in United States, step by step.

Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in the U.S.

  1. Filing

    Application submitted online via USPTO’s Trademark Center, including trademark representation, applicant info, and list of goods/services (per NICE classification equivalent for U.S.)

  2. Examination

    USPTO conducts a formal examination and then a substantive examination to ensure the mark is registrable (not generic, confusingly similar to existing marks, or descriptive).

  3. Publication

    If approved, the mark is published in the official online “Trademark Official Gazette (TMOG)” to allow third parties to oppose.

  4. Opposition Period

    After publication, there is a 30-day opposition window for third parties to challenge registration.

  5. Registration

    If no opposition (or after successful resolution), and if goods/services are already in use (or after submitting a “Statement of Use” for intent-to-use filings), USPTO issues the Registration Certificate.

  6. Validity & Renewal

    Once registered, the U.S. federal trademark remains valid indefinitely — 10-year renewal cycles, provided that required maintenance filings (Declaration of Use, renewal) are timely submitted.

Ready to file in United States?

Start your application in a few minutes. Nothing is filed until you approve the written quote.

File your trademark

Documents required for trademark registration in United States

  • Trademark details and logo (if applicable)

  • Description of goods/services

  • Name and address of Applicant

  • Evidence of use (if filing under “use-in-commerce”) or bona fide intent to use (if filing under “intent-to-use”), with later Statement of Use

Trademark registration fees in United States

Fees in USD. We confirm the full cost in writing before you instruct us.

ServiceOfficial fee
Filing/ Application fee(Online)350

* Fees are indicative and subject to change. Contact us for the latest details.

Timeline, validity and renewal

How long registration takes

Approx. 12 to 18 months for registration in a straightforward case without objections.

Validity and renewal

Once registered, the U.S. federal trademark remains valid indefinitely — 10-year renewal cycles, provided that required maintenance filings (Declaration of Use, renewal) are timely submitted.

Client stories

Businesses that trust us with their brands across borders.

We had an excellent experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration and brand protection services in India. Their expert team guided us throughout the filing process, ensuring accurate documentation, timely updates, and seamless support. Their professionalism and intellectual property expertise gave us confidence in protecting our brand identity while supporting our expansion into new markets.

Mouzy logo
Mohammed Ashkar AliMouzy

We had a seamless experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration services in Bahrain. Their professional team provided excellent support throughout the trademark filing process, ensuring timely updates, accurate documentation, and smooth coordination. Their expertise in intellectual property and brand protection services helped us secure our brand identity with confidence.

K.K Food Product logo
SabirK.K Food Product

* Client stories are shared with permission.

Trademark registration in United States: FAQ

How long does trademark registration take in the USA?

Trademark registration generally takes 8–14 months, depending on the filing basis and examination process.

Do I need a US address to file?

Foreign applicants must appoint a U.S.-licensed trademark attorney. A U.S. business address is not mandatory.

How long does a US trademark last?

A U.S. trademark can last indefinitely, provided mandatory maintenance filings are made between the 5th–6th year and every 10 years thereafter.

Can I protect my logo and name together?

No, separate registrations are to be secured for wordmark and device mark [logo].

Do I need a lawyer to register a trademark in the US?

Yes, a agent-licensed trademark attorney.

Is trademark use required to register?

Yes. Use in commerce must be shown, unless filed as intent-to-use.

How long does registration take in the USA?

Typically 8–14 months.

Can slogans be trademarked?

Yes, if they function as a source identifier.

Can foreign businesses own U.S. trademarks?

Yes, with representation by a U.S. attorney.

Is prior use important in the U.S.?

Yes. The U.S. follows a use-based trademark system.

Are multi-class filings allowed?

Yes, with fees charged per class.

What is the opposition period?

30 days after publication.

What maintenance filings are required?

Between the 5th–6th year, and every 10 years thereafter.

What is the best trademark registration provider in the USA?

Legacy Partners Global (LP Global) is widely regarded as one of the best trademark registration providers in the USA, offering comprehensive and professional intellectual property services to both domestic and international clients.

Insights on United States IP protection

Read more insights

Trademark registration in nearby countries

We cover 190+ countries and regional offices. See every country we cover.

Register your trademark in United States today

Speak to our trademark consultants in United States. Send your mark and we will reply with a free search and a fixed written quote within one working day.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Official requirements and fees can change; we confirm the current position for your matter before filing.

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