How to Register a Trademark on the USPTO Website
Protect your brand name, logo, or slogan. Click each step, check off items, and track your progress.
Do these before you touch the filing form:
- Search USPTO TESS (tmsearch.uspto.gov) for existing marks
- Search Google, Amazon, and domain registrars for unregistered use
- Determine filing basis: Use in Commerce (1a) or Intent to Use (1b)
- Identify Nice Classification classes using USPTO ID Manual (idm-tmng.uspto.gov)
- If filing under 1(a): prepare a specimen showing the mark used on goods
Filing basis matters: Section 1(a) = already using the mark in US commerce. Section 1(b) = plan to use but haven't started yet (requires a Statement of Use with specimen before registration completes).
Go to teas.uspto.gov and select your filing option:
Fee is per class. Multiple classes = multiple fees.
- Select TEAS Plus or TEAS Standard
- Enter the mark — word mark (text only) or design mark (logo)
- Enter the owner's name and address
This is where most mistakes happen. Get the filing basis and goods/services descriptions right.
- Select filing basis (Use in Commerce or Intent to Use)
- Select Nice Classification class(es)
- Enter goods/services description (use pre-approved ID Manual wording for TEAS Plus)
- If 1(a): upload specimen showing mark used on goods (product label, packaging, website screenshot)
Specimen tip: The specimen must show the mark used on or in connection with the actual goods — a product label, packaging, or website screenshot showing the mark near a purchase button. The mark in isolation (e.g., just your logo on a blank page) will be refused.
- Pay the filing fee ($250 or $350 per class)
- Review and submit the application
- Save filing receipt and serial number
Timeline: Examination ~3–4 months → Publication for opposition (30 days) → Registration ~3 months later. Total: approximately 8–12 months if no objections.
Intent to Use reminder: If you filed under 1(b), you must file a Statement of Use (with specimen) before registration completes. The USPTO gives you 6 months from the Notice of Allowance, extendable up to 3 years with fees.
Choosing a Descriptive Mark
"FAST CLEANER" for a cleaning product is descriptive and will be refused. Choose fanciful (invented words like Kodak), arbitrary (existing words used unexpectedly like Apple for computers), or suggestive marks (hints at quality without describing it).
Wrong Goods/Services Description
Use the exact wording from the USPTO's ID Manual wherever possible. Non-standard descriptions trigger Office Actions, delaying registration by months and costing additional fees to respond.
Bad Specimen
The specimen must show the mark used on or in connection with the actual goods — not just the mark in isolation. A logo on a blank page, a mock-up, or a business card will typically be refused.
Your Trademark Application Is Filed.
Examination begins in approximately 3–4 months. Monitor your serial number on TSDR (tsdr.uspto.gov) for any Office Actions. If no issues arise, you'll have a registered trademark in 8–12 months.
Visual companion to the Article
How to Register a Trademark on the USPTO Website