Getting a trademark, you can either “do it yourself” or hire a professionals. DIY option describes not only filing directly via TEAS at USPTO.gov but also using commercial services under $100.
Let’s compare these two options.
| Do it yourself | Professional Help | |
| Mark | Your choice of wording and design | Likely a better wording and design |
| Registration | online trademark search/registration | via your representative |
| Cost | USPTO fees + $100 commercial service fees | USPTO fees + up to $2,000 attorney fees + design cost |
Trademark registration is not too complicated.
Nonetheless, mistakes can cost your time and money. If you are not going to hire an attorney, you should read and watch everything on USPTO’s Trademark Basics before you proceed. On a side note, even if things go smoothly while registering trademark, lawyers can improve the strength of the registered trademark significantly and designers will give your logo/design a professional look.
USPTO offers an online application form through TEAS (Trademark Electronic Application System).
There are various forms including TEAS plus, TEAS RF (Reduced Fee), and TEAS regular application types. Latter forms are subject to higher fees but offers some flexibility to applicants. Assuming you don’t make any mistake in filling out the form, you can save up to $100 by choosing TEAS plus. TEAS forms are web-based, guided, multi-page forms that anyone can learn the process as-you-go.