Confused about how to trademark your business? You’re not alone.
Many business owners know they need a trademark but have no idea where to start. The good news? Trademarking doesn’t have to be confusing—or risky—when you know the steps to follow and get the right help.
This guide walks you through the entire trademarking process, step by step, and shows how Sleight Law makes it simple and stress-free.
Why a Trademark Matters
Before we dive into the steps, let’s cover why a trademark is so important.
A trademark protects your brand’s identity, like your business name, logo, or slogan. It gives you exclusive rights to use that name in your industry, so no one else can profit off your brand or confuse your customers.
In short, a trademark:
- Shields you from copycats
- Builds brand trust
- Adds value to your business
- Makes your business legally stronger
Step 1: Know What You Can Trademark
Not everything can be trademarked. At Sleight Law, we help clients figure out what part of their brand is most valuable and worth protecting.
Here are the 5 main types of trademarks:
- Word Marks – Business or product names (e.g., “Nike”)
- Design Marks – Logos or stylized names
- Slogans – Catchy phrases (e.g., “Just Do It”)
- Sound Marks – Unique sounds (like the Netflix “ta-dum”)
- Color Marks – Specific colors used in a unique way (like Tiffany Blue)
✅ Tip: Start with your brand name—it’s usually the most important asset to protect.
Step 2: Search Before You File
A comprehensive trademark search is critical to make sure your desired name or logo isn’t already being used.
If you skip this or rely only on free tools, you could:
- Waste money on a rejected application
- Face legal action from other brands
- Have to completely rebrand later
At Sleight Law, we perform deep trademark searches—including federal, state, and unregistered (common law) databases—to flag risks before you file.
Step 3: Choose the Right Trademark Class
Trademarks are sorted into 45 international classes that define the goods or services your brand covers:
- Classes 1–34: Goods
- Classes 35–45: Services
For example:
- Clothing is Class 25
- Education or coaching services are Class 41
- Skincare is Class 3
As of January 1, 2025, the USPTO adopted Nice Classification NCL 12-2025, which updates many class descriptions. Choosing the wrong class—or missing one—can weaken or void your trademark protection.
We guide you to the exact class your brand needs.
👉 See our complete guide to trademark classes.
Step 4: File Using the New Trademark Center
On January 18, 2025, the USPTO launched a new platform called the Trademark Center, which replaced older forms.
To apply:
- Create a USPTO.gov account with 2-step verification.
- Access the Trademark Center and complete your application.
- Enter your trademark info: name/logo, goods/services, and basis (use in commerce or intent to use).
- Pay the correct fees based on your application details.
⚠️ Updated Fee Structure (2025)
- $350 per class (base filing fee)
- + $200 per class for using custom language not in the Trademark ID Manual
- + $200 per 1,000 characters in descriptions exceeding 1,000 characters
- + $100 per class for incomplete information
💡 Don’t worry—Sleight Law ensures your application is accurate, concise, and fully compliant, avoiding extra costs and delays.
Step 5: Respond and Monitor
After you file, your application will go through:
- Review by a USPTO examining attorney
- Possible Office Actions (requests for clarification or legal arguments)
- A 30-day opposition period for third parties to challenge your application
If approved, you’ll receive a registration certificate. But that’s not the end.
You must also monitor your trademark to prevent infringement and unauthorized use.
Sleight Law offers trademark monitoring services and helps respond to legal challenges if they come up.
Bonus Step: Maintain and Renew
Trademarks can last forever—but only if you renew them on time.
- First renewal: Between years 5 and 6 after registration (Section 8 filing)
- Next renewals: Every 10 years (combined Section 8 and Section 9 filings)
⚠️ Updated Renewal Fees (2025)
- $325 per class for Section 8 filings
- $650 per class for combined Section 8 and 9 filings
Sleight Law tracks your deadlines and files renewals for you, so you stay protected long-term.
Why Work With Sleight Law?
We make the trademark process approachable, strategic, and stress-free for entrepreneurs like you. Here’s what you get:
- ✅ Attorney-led trademark searches and filings
- ✅ Ongoing monitoring and deadline reminders
- ✅ Flat-rate pricing with no surprises
- ✅ Personal support from start to finish
Let’s Make You Trademark Win #1,220 (and Beyond)
At Sleight Law, we’ve helped over 1,220 brands trademark their business names, logos, and ideas. And we believe yours deserves to be next.
Whether you’re just brainstorming or ready to file, we’ll walk with you every step of the way.