How Much Does It Cost to Trademark a Business Name in California?

How much does it cost to trademark a business name in California?
A California trademark is cheaper than a federal trademark. Filing a California trademark costs $70, and a national registration costs about $300. A California trademark protects your brand in California.
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If you own a business in California, you might be curious about the price of trademarking your company name. The sort of trademark you wish to submit and whether you decide to engage a trademark attorney or do it yourself are two aspects that will determine the answer to your question.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) charges $275 per class of products or services for the filing of trademark applications. This charge, however, only covers the initial application; it does not take into account any further costs that might be associated with the trademark application process. For instance, you might need to employ an attorney to assist you in responding if the USPTO files an office action that calls for a response, which will increase the entire cost.

The DIY method may be the most affordable option to register your company name as a trademark. Although trademark law can be complicated, keep in mind that errors committed throughout the registration procedure could cause your application to be refused or delayed. Additionally, you might need to pay a lawyer to defend you in the opposition hearing if another party opposes your application.

Additionally, it’s critical to understand the distinction between an LLC and a trademark. Your personal assets are shielded from company responsibilities by an LLC, which is a legitimate business entity. Contrarily, a trademark prevents another company from using your company’s name, logo, or slogan. Although both an LLC and a trademark can give your company legal protection, their functions are distinct.

Do you therefore require a trademark or copyright for your company name? A corporate name is not protected by a copyright, despite the fact that it can shield original works of authorship like music or writing. To prevent another company in your industry from using your company name, logo, or slogan, you must register a trademark.

And last, can you submit your own trademark application? Yes, you may submit a trademark application by yourself, but before you do so, you should be aware of the steps involved and any potential problems. It might be in your best advantage to employ an attorney to help you with the application procedure if you are unfamiliar with trademark law.

In conclusion, there are a variety of costs associated with trademarking a company name in California. Even while doing it yourself could be the most affordable alternative, it’s crucial to be aware of the hazards and obtain legal counsel if you are unfamiliar with trademark law. A trademark is required to protect your company name, but an LLC serves other functions. Do your homework and, if necessary, seek legal advice if you’re thinking about filing for a trademark.

FAQ
How do I protect my business name in California?

By filing it with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as a trademark, you can safeguard your company name in California. This will grant you the sole right to use the name in connection with your company and enable you to sue anyone who attempts to do so without your consent. The type of trademark application and the use of legal counsel are two variables that can affect how much it costs to register a trademark in California.