Trademark a Logo

Your logo can be protected with a trademark, but the process is tricky. Here's overview of what you need, what it costs, and how long it will take.

What would you like to protect?

Trustpilot star rating bar
A man reviews his trademark application on his laptop while sitting in an open-concept co-working space

Contents

Updated on: August 4, 2025
Read time: 6 min

Your company’s logo may be the most important way you identify your business and brand and distinguish it from competitors. You may want to protect your logo by registering it as a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

A business owner reviews logo designs.

Types of logo trademark

There are two ways you might register a logo: as a standard character mark or as a special form mark.

Standard character mark

A standard character mark protects an arrangement of letters or numbers, such as the words “Dr Pepper.” If you have a standard character mark, your words or letters are protected, no matter how you display them.

A standard character mark could be a good choice if your logo consists only of your business name or slogan, without an accompanying drawing or design, because it gives you flexibility to display it in different styles, colors, or fonts in the future.

Special form mark

A special form mark protects wording that is in a particular font, or design elements, or a combination of the two.

To register a special form mark, you must submit a picture of the mark, and your trademark registration will only cover the exact mark you submit.

You should register your logo as a special form mark if it includes symbols, particular fonts or colors, illustrations, or other design elements.

What qualifies a logo for trademark?

The USPTO will not trademark a logo that is generic, or that is confusingly similar to a trademark that has been registered or is the subject of a pending application. The two main criteria for determining eligibility for trademark protection are distinctiveness and likelihood of confusion.

Distinctiveness

The strongest trademarks—and the ones that are easiest to register and protect—are very distinctive. A logo that is too generic cannot be registered or protected at all.

A highly distinctive logo might consist of original artwork created specifically for your business. A generic logo could be something like a letter of the alphabet or a set of initials.

Likelihood of confusion

A trademark cannot create a “likelihood of confusion” with another registered trademark. A logo has a likelihood of confusion if:

  • It is similar to another trademark
  • It identifies the source of a related product or service

You can register similar logos if the products or services are unrelated.

Search trademarks for free
sign saying come in we're open, and a potted plant.

The least expensive way to register a logo with the USPTO is through the online Trademark Center. This option will run you $350. If you decide to file by paper, you will have to pay $850.

For the most peace of mind, it's best to use a trademark attorney or online trademark service. Remember: application fees for rejected trademarks are nonrefundable. An attorney or online expert can advise on your trademark's viability and help you craft a strong application.

Trademark applications take a minimum of several months to process.

Application requirements

If your logo includes design elements, you will need to provide an image of the logo as part of your trademark application.

You can trademark your logo in either black and white or color. If you choose black and white, your trademark registration will cover any colors you may choose for your logo in the future, giving you flexibility to change colors and still retain your trademark protection.

If you choose to register your logo in color, you will be protecting the logo with those particular colors. In this case, you will also need to identify the colors and their locations within the mark.

The trademark application also has a space for you to provide the “literal element”—the written words—of your logo. You should enter the words exactly as they appear on your logo, without adding or changing anything. 

Cost of a trademark application

The filing fees for a trademark application depend on the method you use to file.

  • Online. The preferred method to file your trademark registration is through the USPTO Trademark Center. The cost for online trademark registration is $350.
  • On paper. You can file by mail or hand delivery. This method will run you $850.
  • Hire a trademark attorney. An attorney can help ensure that your application will not face delays, penalty fees, or rejection. You can expect an attorney to run you several hundred to a few thousand dollars.
  • Use an online service. These services offer more flexibility with the assurance of expert guidance. LegalZoom's trademark registration service costs $649 plus federal filing fees.

Trademark registration FAQs

What's the difference between a standard character mark and a special form mark for my logo?

A standard character mark protects only the words or letters in your logo, no matter what font, color, or style you use them in. This type works best if your logo is just text without any special design elements and gives you more flexibility.

A special form mark protects your logo's exact visual design, including specific fonts, colors, symbols, and layout. If your logo has unique elements that make it stand out, you'll want a special form mark.

How do I know if my logo is distinctive enough to get trademark protection?

Your logo needs to be unique and not describe what your business does in an obvious way. The USPTO won't approve logos that are generic or that directly describe your product or service, although logos that hint at what you do without directly saying it may work. Your logo also can't be too similar to existing trademarks in related businesses.

The strongest logos are completely made-up words or designs that have nothing to do with the actual business. The Trademark Office will reject logos that might confuse customers about which company they're dealing with.

Should I file my logo trademark in color or black and white?

Filing in black and white gives you broader protection because it covers your logo in any color combination you might use later. This means you can change your logo's colors for different marketing campaigns or seasonal promotions without losing trademark protection. If you file in color, your trademark only protects those specific colors in those exact locations. However, if color is a crucial part of what makes your logo unique and recognizable (like Tiffany's characteristic shade of blue), then filing in color might make sense. 

How much does it cost to trademark a logo and how long does it take?

The basic fee to file a trademark application online is $350. However, if you work with a trademark attorney, you’ll likely spend more. A trademark attorney typically charges an average of $2,849 per trademark filing. LegalZoom charges a flat, one-time fee of $899 plus federal filing fees. Note that filing on paper costs $1,000 and is only available in specific circumstances.

The filing process takes at least several months, even if everything goes smoothly. Currently, the USPTO has a waiting period of about 12 months. 

What happens if someone is already using a similar logo to mine?

The Trademark Office will likely reject your application if they find another registered trademark that's too similar to yours in a related business area. Before you apply, you should search the trademark database to see if anyone else has something similar. This search isn't just about identical matches - you need to look for logos that are close enough to cause confusion. You can search existing trademarks for free with LegalZoom.

Do I need to hire a lawyer or can I file the trademark application myself?

You can file a trademark application yourself through the government's website, and it's the cheapest option at $350. The online system walks you through the process step by step. However, trademark law can be complicated, and mistakes in your application aren't fixable without starting over and paying again. Using a legal professional (or an attorney-led filing service like LegalZoom) can inspire more confidence in the accuracy of your search and application.

What do I need to submit with my logo trademark application?

To meet the requirements for a logo with design elements, submit a clear digital image, usually in JPG format. The image should be between 250 and 944 pixels and have a plain background so your logo stands out clearly. Type out any words that appear in your logo exactly as they’re shown. You’ll need to be specific about what products or services you use the logo for and provide proof of how you use it, like photos of your signage, packaging, or website. If you haven’t started using your logo yet, you can file an “intent to use” application instead.

What would you like to protect?Register My Trademark
Twitter logoFacebook logoLinkedIn logoReddit logo

This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

80 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Jose is the best.

Jose was very friendly and knowledgeable. He was able to answer my questions and provide me information of next steps to secure my trademark.

Cheryl Cooper
83 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

The knowledge the agent possessed was…

The knowledge the agent possessed was super beneficial to rectify the situation I was having with my trademark. Very professional!

Craig Schsrfman
99 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Trademark work is great and effecient

Edit from my previous feedback and why i decided to give them 5stars they deserved: LegalZoom's support team was excellent—they addressed my concerns promptly and delivered a great outcome. I truly appreciate their help and want to give a shout-out for an outstanding customer service experience.

Trademark
98 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Thanks for being so helpful in the…

Thanks for being so helpful in the assist of getting my Trademark filed. -Patrick

Patrick Thompson
105 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Kevin was able to help me understand…

Kevin was able to help me understand the process needed for filing a trademark. He was clear in his answers and stayed on the phone to help walk through the onboarding.

Asiyah Lites-Rasheed
123 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Excellent Serviceed them for a trademark application

Used them for a trademark application. Excellent service. Knowledgeable staff. I would absolutely use them again. Probably save thousands by going through them.

Eric Hertz
150 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Estee was super helpful!

Estee helped me navigate the tricky trademark process. Highly recommend her!

Greg
150 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Very good and focused answers

I got a very good and focused answer to my trademark questions. Definitely makes me see LZ as the place to go with my legal questions. A+

Chip Humitz
154 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Help with trademark

Got exactly what I needed to register my trademark

Luci Bromberg
160 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

I had a consultation with an attorney…

I had a consultation with an attorney through LegalZoom concerning the trademark process. and she was very patient and professional. She answered my questions and helped with the ones I had difficulty asking. I appreciated that

Isiah Jones ,jr.
179 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Strong support for trademark

The trademard support by Nick Belcastro has been excellent.

John Kirk Boyd
186 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Excellent service

Excellent service! Extremely knowledgeable and helpful in reviewing all the next steps in the process for filing the trademark with LegalZoom.

Brian Mayer
221 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Excellent Staff/Services

"LegalZoom made trademark filing for my company a breeze. Their system was incredibly user-friendly, and I was impressed by the professionalism of the staff. My attorney was not only knowledgeable but also took the time to answer all my questions and clearly explain the entire process. I felt confident every step of the way. I will definitely use their services again!"

Hedda
217 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Register Trademark using LegalZoom

The attorney assign to us did an amazing job by answer all our question in a friendly, timely and professional way. The attorney helps by giving us information to mange our account to register our Trademark.

wiltrey sanders
226 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Excellent experience with Legal Zoom

I have been looking to get my business trademark for a while now and I finally decided to try out Legal Zoom. I had an excellent experience with customer service ready to assist me through the process. The price is much more affordable than going through law offices. I highly recommend to anyone looking to get a trademark.

TheAlphabetshop
228 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Legally create your trademark with LegalZoom in 2025 and The Years to Come

The lawyer that assigned to me was not only professional and friendly, but patience beyond measure. All questions answered and additional information given to me as well for future services. This call gave me the reassurance I wanted and needed to continue using LegalZoom for future endeavors, and referring my community/platform to do the same.

Kali Harris
245 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Trademark Process Made Easy

My LegalZoom Trademark attorney, Asha was extremely professional, friendly and knowledgeable. She answered all my Trademark questions and made this process so easy. I felt like I was in good hands.

Virtually Debbie
252 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Trademark

Right now I use everything Legal Zoom has to offer and I'm so very happy with everything, especially the Trademark process. They were absolutely the best! Highly recommend!!

NicoleK
Rated4.6out of 5 based on23,826+ reviewson

Showing our favorite reviews