How Cost-Conscious Online Sellers Can Save Money on USPTO Filing Fees

If you’re an online seller, finding ways to save on expenses can boost your bottom line. When it comes to trademark applications, the way you file with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) could significantly impact how much you pay in filing fees. With a bit of planning, you can simplify the process and save money.

The USPTO groups goods and services into different “international classes”. Goods are in classes 1-34, and services are in classes 35-45.

The USPTO charges $250 or $350 per class depending on the type of application (TEAS Plus and TEAS Standard). The fees can add up quickly if you sell a wide variety of goods online. So, for example, if you sell eyewear, jewelry, handbags, and clothing, then your goods are in four classes (class 9 for eyewear, class 14 for jewelry, class 18 for handbags, and class 25 for clothing). Filing a TEAS Plus application that covers all four classes will cost $1,000 in USPTO fees.

What if there was a way to slash the USPTO filing fees from $1,000 to $250? I’m pleased to report that there is. You just need to launch your own e-commerce website. Online retail store services are in class 35. So, rather than paying $1,000 for a TEAS Plus application that covers four classes of goods, you can file a TEAS Plus application for one class of services for $250. This is a great strategy if budget is an issue and there are no obvious conflicts to registration in class 35. An added benefit is that you can describe your services more broadly in class 35 than you can for goods. So, for example, the USPTO requires applicants to specify the types of clothing that they sell for class 25 applications (e.g., shirts, shorts, capes, top hats, etc.). However, you can simply apply for “online retail store services featuring clothing” in class 35 and cover every type of clothing that you sell now and in the future.

This strategy works best for cost-conscious online sellers. If you’re more concerned about maximizing your federal trademark protection, then you’re better off adding class 35 along with the other classes of goods. This will prevent competitors from registering similar trademarks for similar goods and services. It will also help with your enforcement efforts.