How long does it take to register a trademark?

The trademark registration process typically takes 8-12 months if there are no issues. If an office action is issued, it can take 12-18 months or longer.

Trademark Registration Timeline

Q: What happens if I receive an office action?

An office action is a letter from the USPTO examining attorney requesting changes or refusing registration. You have 3 months to respond (extendable to 6 months). Responding typically costs $500-$2,000 with an attorney.

The trademark registration process typically takes 8-12 months. Toggle to see how office actions affect the timeline.

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Step 1: Application Filing

Day 1 $250-$350/class

Submit your trademark application via TEAS Plus ($250/class) or TEAS Standard ($350/class). You'll receive a serial number within minutes.

Step 2: Assigned to Examining Attorney

3-4 months after filing

A USPTO examining attorney reviews your application for compliance with trademark law, searches for conflicting marks, and ensures proper classification.

Tip: Check your application status on TSDR (Trademark Status & Document Retrieval) regularly during this wait.

Step 3: Office Action (If Issued)

4-5 months $500-$2,000 attorney

The examining attorney may issue an office action requiring changes, additional information, or refusing registration. You have 3 months to respond.

1. Receive office action letter detailing issues

2. 3-month response deadline (can request 3-month extension)

3. Submit response addressing all issues

4. Examiner reviews response (1-2 months)

Common reasons: likelihood of confusion with existing mark, descriptive mark, improper specimen

Step 3: Approved for Publication

4-5 months after filing

Your mark is approved and scheduled for publication in the Official Gazette. This usually happens 1-2 weeks after approval.

Step 4: Publication Period

30 days

Your mark is published in the Official Gazette for 30 days. Anyone who believes they would be damaged by registration can file an opposition during this period.

Most marks pass through publication without opposition. If opposed, the process moves to the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB).

Step 5: Registration

8-12 months total Certificate issued

Congratulations! The USPTO issues your registration certificate. Your mark is now a registered trademark.

After Registration

Years 5-6: File Section 8 & 9 ($525/class)
Years 9-10: File Section 8 & 9 Renewal ($525/class)
Then renew every 10 years

Total Cost Summary

Stage	No Issues	With Office Action
Filing (1 class, TEAS Plus)	$250	$250
Office Action Response	$0	$500-$2,000
Initial Total	$250	$750-$2,250
Timeline	8-12 months	12-18 months

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Updated March 2026 | Based on USPTO processing times