USPTO Trademark Fee Increases Effective January 18, 2025: How MZLS Can Assist

•3 min read

Prepare for USPTO trademark fee increases starting January 18, 2025. MZLS offers expert assistance for federal and state trademark filings in Puerto Rico, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Introduction

Starting January 18, 2025, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will implement substantial fee increases affecting trademark application filings, post-registration maintenance, and other processes such as Letters of Protest and Petitions to the Director. These changes create new challenges for trademark owners across the U.S., including those filing at the federal level and businesses managing trademarks in Puerto Rico, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. To review the entire final rule click here.

At MZLS, we provide tailored assistance for businesses navigating these regulatory changes. Our expertise spans federal trademark registration as well as state registrations in Puerto Rico, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., ensuring comprehensive protection for your intellectual property.

Key Changes in USPTO Fees

1. Increased Fees Across Services

  • Application Filing Fees: Stricter requirements apply to applications, including surcharges of $100 to $200 per class for deviations from pre-approved identification formats.

  • Post-Registration Maintenance Fees: These include:

    • Declaration of Use (Section 8) filings: Increased to $325 per class.

    • Renewal fees (Section 9): Increased to $525 per class.

2. New Surcharge Fees

Non-compliance with specific application standards will now incur additional charges, including:

  • Exceeding Character Limits: $100 per class for identifications exceeding 1,000 characters.

  • Improper Classification or Use Evidence: Up to $200 per class.

3. Madrid Protocol Applications

Flat fees for international applications filed through the Madrid Protocol now cost $600 per class.

4. Miscellaneous Changes

  • Letters of Protest fees rise from $50 to $150.

  • Petitions to the Director will also see significant increases.

For a complete breakdown of changes, visit the USPTO’s official fee schedule here.

How These Changes Impact Your Business

Whether registering federally through the USPTO or at the state level in Puerto Rico, Virginia, or Washington, D.C., these changes highlight the importance of accuracy and strategic planning in trademark filings. Key considerations include:

  • Federal Registrations: Prepare for increased costs and ensure applications align with USPTO requirements to avoid surcharges.

  • State Registrations: For businesses operating in Puerto Rico, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., understanding local requirements remains equally critical to securing and maintaining trademarks.

MZLS offers the expertise to guide businesses through both federal and state trademark filings, ensuring compliance while maximizing protection.

How MZLS Can Assist

At MZLS, our attorneys provide comprehensive trademark services, including:

  • Federal Trademark Registration: Filing and maintaining trademarks with the USPTO, ensuring compliance with the new fee structure.

  • State Trademark Registration: Managing state-level filings in Puerto Rico, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

  • Strategic Filing Advice: Advising on optimal filing strategies, including whether to use the Madrid Protocol for international filings.

  • Trademark Maintenance and Renewal: Proactively handling renewals and declarations of use to avoid lapses.

  • Compliance Review: Preventing costly errors by ensuring applications meet the USPTO’s updated standards.

Steps to Take Now

To adapt to these changes, trademark owners and applicants should:

  1. Review Filing Strategies: Ensure applications use pre-approved language for goods and services.

  2. Budget for Increased Costs: Plan for the higher fees associated with filings and maintenance.

  3. Seek Legal Guidance: Collaborate with trademark counsel to minimize risks and optimize protection.

Contact MZLS for Assistance

At MZLS, we specialize in helping clients navigate trademark regulations at both the federal and state levels. Whether you’re filing a new application, managing renewals, or seeking advice on compliance, our team is ready to assist.

Don’t wait—secure your trademarks and prepare for the USPTO’s new fee structure today with the help of MZLS.