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Coming Soon - USPTO Trademark Fee Changes

Posted by Isabel Fox | Jan 15, 2025 | 0 Comments

Beginning this Saturday, January 18, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will charge some increased fees for trademark matters.

These adjustments are designed to ensure the USPTO has the resources to operate effectively and continue improving its services. 

Here's a breakdown of the key changes and what they mean for applicants:

  • New Application Fee Structure: The USPTO is moving away from the TEAS Standard and TEAS Plus application system. A new base application fee of $350 per class will be introduced.
  • Surcharges for Free-Form Identifications: To encourage the use of standardized terms from the USPTO ID Manual, a $200 surcharge will be applied for using free-form language to identify goods and services.
    • An additional $200 surcharge will be applied for every 1,000 characters beyond the first 1,000 characters in free-form identifications.
  • Increased Maintenance Fees:
    • Section 8 and 71 declarations (use) will increase to $325 per class.
    • Section 9 renewals will increase to $325 per class.
    • Section 15 declarations (incontestability) will increase to $250 per class.
  • International Fees: Fees for applications and subsequent designations filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will also see increases.
    • The application fee for applications filed with WIPO will increase to $600 per class.
    • The subsequent designation fee for applications filed with WIPO will increase to $600 per class.
What This Means for You:
  • Review the Fee Schedule: Familiarize yourself with the new fee schedule to understand the potential costs involved in your intellectual property endeavors.
  • Consider Standardized Terms: When filing trademark applications, using the standardized terms from the USPTO ID Manual can help you avoid surcharges.
  • Seek Professional Advice: If you have questions or concerns about the fee changes and how they may impact your specific situation, consult with an intellectual property attorney.
Where to Find More Information:
  • USPTO Website: The official USPTO website provides detailed information about the fee changes, including the complete fee schedules and supporting documentation. You can find this information at www.uspto.gov.

By staying informed about these changes, you can effectively manage your intellectual property budget and ensure the timely protection of your valuable assets.

How Gallium Law Can Help

The updated trademark fees may be confusing and complex to navigate. If you have any questions about your IP portfolio and how to prepare for these new fees, please call us at 651-256-9480 or fill out this online form to schedule a consultation. 

About the Author

Isabel Fox

Isabel Fox is a registered patent agent and has been with Gallium Law since 2018. Her practice largely revolves around utility and design patent prosecution; including conducting patent landscape searches, drafting patent applications, and responding to Office Actions issued by the USPTO...

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