As we step into 2025, it’s essential for entrepreneurs, creators, and small business owners to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to protecting their brands. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced some significant changes that will impact trademark filings starting January 18, 2025. If you’re thinking about securing your brand this year, here’s what you need to know.
Trademark Fee Increases Effective January 18, 2025
The USPTO is restructuring its trademark fee system, and this is a big one. They’re moving away from the two-tiered application system (TEAS Plus at $250 per class and TEAS Standard at $350 per class) and introducing a single, unified fee of $350 per class for applications under Trademark Act Sections 1 and 44. What does this mean for you? The cost to file will likely go up, especially if you were previously using the more affordable TEAS Plus option. Additional surcharges will apply if your application isn’t fully complete or doesn’t use pre-approved descriptions from the USPTO’s Trademark ID Manual. So, accuracy and attention to detail are more important than ever.
Projected Growth in Trademark Applications
The USPTO is forecasting around 774,000 trademark applications in 2025—a growth rate of about 4.6%. This rising demand underscores how crucial it is to protect your brand in an increasingly competitive marketplace. More applications mean more competition, and delaying could result in someone else claiming the brand name you’ve been eyeing.
Faster Trademark Processing Times
Good news: the USPTO is working on reducing application pendency times over the next five years. Their goal is to streamline the process and deliver quicker decisions on trademark registrations. This is a win for business owners eager to secure their brand protection without the long wait.
What This Means for Your Business
If you’ve been on the fence about trademarking your business name, logo, or tagline, now is the time to act. The fee increases make early action smarter financially, and with more businesses filing, waiting could put your brand at risk. Ensuring your application is complete and accurate can also help you avoid additional surcharges and expedite the process.
Final Thoughts
Trademarks are more than just legal protection—they’re about building a legacy. With the USPTO fee changes and the growing number of applications, 2025 is the year to prioritize protecting your brand. Need help navigating this process? That’s exactly what I do. Click HERE to schedule a FREE ($125 value) 15 minute consultation with me (limited time)!
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