Trademarking your business name means more than just having a name through which you can run your business. When you trademark your business’s name, you add an extra level of legal protection which will prove valuable when your business soars. If you’re considering whether to trademark your business’s name, then you may also be wondering how much it costs. The cost to trademark a business name is contingent upon the application process you use, and the classes of goods and services it contains.
Key points
If using the assisted “TM Headstart Service”, trademark registration can set you back between $150 – $200
If using the unassisted “Standard Filing Service”, trademark registration can set you back between $250 – $330 depending on the use of a picklist
These are both base rates and your cost may exceed these ranges depending on your needs. This is to give you a ballpark figure of what to expect
It’s important that you correctly categorise your trademark and apply for exactly what it is you want to protect. However, applying for a trademark can be a time-consuming and complicated process. In this article, we’ll tell you what you can expect to pay for a trademark and how you can get started.
What is a class?
Before we unpack how much trademarking a business name could cost, it’s important for us to understand what a “class” is, as this will determine how much the process could set you back. According to IP Australia, “classes” are ways of segmenting products under goods and services in Australia. There are 45 classes in total with 1-34 being for goods and 35-45 reserved for services.
It’s important to understand which class/classes that your product belongs in to avoid costs in the long run. Luckily, IP Australia has a dedicated guide to help you choose which class would be best for you. You can find it here.
How much does it cost to trademark a business name?
The cost of applying for a trademark depends on the method through which you choose to apply. Read our guide on how to trademark a business name for more information on the application process.
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Online application
You can apply online through IP Australia. This is common where a business is not using the assistance of a trademark lawyer. To apply online, you can use the TM Headstart service, or you can apply through the standard online services. It is important to understand which service is appropriate for your application and your objectives. There is also a trademark price calculator which can assist you when planning your application.
TM Headstart Service (Assisted Registration)
The TM Headstart service is provided at the pre-application stage; it is useful when you are unfamiliar with the process. It provides an assessment of your application before it is made public. Thus, while it is more expensive than the standard filing service, it may save you money in the long run because you avoid the cost of re-filing for mistakes. You can find out more on our guide to IP Australia’s Headstart Service. The Australian Government IP website outlines the trademark cost of the TM Headstart program, which can be summarised as follows:
- New Request: $200 per class
- New Representation: $150 per class
- Additional class fee: $200 per class
- Part 2 fee (once you have decided to publish): $130 per class
Standard Filing Service (Unassisted Registration)
The standard filing service may be appropriate if you are ready to file the appropriate documents and are satisfied with the correctness of your application. You may choose to use IP Australia’s picklist to assist in identifying the class or classes to which your goods and services belong. Read our guide on the picklist to learn more.
The fees associated with the standard filing service, as found on the IP Australia website, can be summarised as follows:
- Trademark application: with picklist, $250 per class or without picklist, $330 per class
- Series Trademark application: with picklist, $400 per class or without picklist, $480 per class
Application by post
If you cannot apply online, a postal application will cost $350 – 500.
Other costs
Certain aspects of the trademarking process involve further fees:
- Trademark Renewal
- Request to include an additional class of goods or services
- Extensions of time
- Sale of documents
In summary
To summate, the cost of a trademark can vary depending on two factors: how many classes you have to register you class in and what method you choose to register. The most common method of trademark registration is online, however, and if you are really unsure we recommend to see a relevant trademark lawyer and partake in the assisted process to avoid costs in the long run.
For more information, read the trademark cost information on the IP Australia Website. Further, it may be worth contacting a trademark attorney to obtain competent legal advice regarding the process and fees.
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