Why register a trademark
A registered trademark gives you exclusive rights to a name or logo within a class of goods or services, allows enforcement against copycats and unlocks brand protection on Amazon, Shopify and Instagram.
US trademark (USPTO)
The US Patent and Trademark Office registers marks by 'class' (there are 45). Government filing fee: $250–$350 per class. Add attorney or specialist fees for the drafting. Timeline: 8–14 months.
UK trademark (UKIPO)
The UK Intellectual Property Office charges £170 for the first class and £50 per extra class. Timeline: 3–4 months if unopposed.
EU trademark (EUIPO)
One filing covers all 27 EU member states. €850 for the first class, €50 for the second, €150 for each additional. Timeline: 4–6 months.
Choosing your classes
- Class 9: Software and downloadable apps
- Class 25: Apparel
- Class 35: Advertising, retail, e-commerce services
- Class 41: Education and training
- Class 42: SaaS and technology services
Common mistakes
- Filing without a clearance search — leads to rejection or opposition
- Choosing too few classes and needing to refile
- Descriptive names ('Cheap Shoes') which are unregistrable
- Not renewing every 10 years
Frequently asked questions
Not to sell, but yes to unlock Amazon Brand Registry, A+ content and the Brand Analytics dashboard.