Filing Guide 8 min read

How to Trademark a Logo: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Your logo is your brand's most recognizable asset. Without a registered trademark, anyone can copy it. This guide walks you through exactly how to trademark a logo at the USPTO in 2025 — from clearance search to approval certificate.
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In this guide:
  1. Why Your Logo Needs a Trademark
  2. Is Your Logo Protectable?
  3. Step 1 — Clearance Search
  4. Step 2 — Choose Nice Classes
  5. Step 3 — Prepare Your Application
  6. Step 4 — File at USPTO.gov
  7. Step 5 — After You File
  8. 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Why Your Logo Needs a Trademark

A registered trademark gives you exclusive nationwide rights to use your logo in your industry, the legal presumption of ownership, the right to use the registered symbol, and the ability to sue infringers in federal court. Without registration, you only have common law rights limited to your local area.

Is Your Logo Protectable?

DistinctivenessExampleRegistrable?
Fanciful (invented word)Kodak, XeroxYes — easiest
Arbitrary (real word, unrelated)Apple for computersYes
Suggestive (hints at product)Netflix, GreyhoundUsually yes
Descriptive"Fresh Juice Co."Hard — needs 5 years use
Generic"The Bakery"No

Step 2 — Choose Your Nice Classification Classes

Trademarks are registered by class — each covering a category of goods or services. You pay $250–$350 per class. Most small businesses need 1–2 classes. Common classes: Class 25 (clothing), Class 35 (retail/business services), Class 41 (education/entertainment), Class 42 (software/tech). Tia auto-selects the right classes based on your business description.

Step 3 — Prepare Your TEAS Application

You will need: a high-quality logo image (PNG, 250px+), a description of the mark's design elements, owner legal name and address, filing basis (Use in Commerce or Intent to Use), a specimen showing the logo in use, and a list of goods/services per class.

TEAS Plus saves $100/class but requires using pre-approved descriptions from the USPTO ID Manual. Use standard TEAS if you need custom descriptions.

Step 4 — File at USPTO.gov

  1. Create a USPTO account at my.uspto.gov
  2. Go to teas.uspto.gov and select TEAS or TEAS Plus
  3. Enter your mark info, owner info, and specimen
  4. Review carefully — errors can delay or sink your application
  5. Pay by credit card ($250–$350 per class)
  6. Save your Serial Number for tracking

Step 5 — What Happens After You File

1
0–3 months: Application assigned to examining attorney
2
3–4 months: Examination complete — approved or Office Action issued
3
Publication: 30-day opposition period in Official Gazette
4
8–12 months: Registration certificate issued (if no opposition)

You can use the TM symbol immediately after filing. You may only use the registered symbol after registration is granted.

5 Common Mistakes That Get Logo Trademarks Rejected

  1. Skipping the clearance search — The USPTO keeps your fee even on rejections.
  2. Too many classes — Only file classes you actively use or plan to use within 3 years.
  3. Poor specimen quality — Must show the logo in actual use, not a mockup.
  4. Incorrect owner name — Use exact legal name (LLC name, not personal name, if business owns it).
  5. Overly descriptive mark — Make your mark distinctive before filing.

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