Trademark Fee And Procedural Changes For Fiscal Year 2025: Modernizing Filing And Penalizing Inefficiencies

Effective January 18, 2025 (February 18 for Madrid Protocol fees), the USPTO overhauled trademark fees and processes via a final rule, replacing the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) with the Trademark Center—a more user-friendly platform with auto-save and docket features. TEAS Plus was eliminated, introducing a uniform "Base Application" at $350 per class, alongside new penalties: $100 per class for insufficient details (e.g., lacking translations or disclaimers), $200 per class for not using the USPTO ID Manual, and $200 per extra 1,000 characters in goods/services descriptions beyond the first 1,000. Renewals and statements of use rose to $150 per class, with Madrid filings at $600 per class plus penalties.

 
Fee/Change Details Base Rate (per Class) Penalty/Add-On
Base Application Replaces TEAS/TEAS Plus $350 N/A
Insufficient Information Missing domicile, translations, etc. N/A $100
Non-ID Manual Use Custom goods/services descriptions N/A $200
Lengthy Descriptions >1,000 characters N/A $200 per extra 1,000 (per class)
Renewals/Statements of Use Increase from $100 $150 N/A
Madrid Protocol Filing Effective Feb 18, 2025 $600 Plus penalties
 
Key takeaways:
Attorneys must update templates and checklists to avoid penalties, potentially increasing upfront client consultations and complicating multi-class filings. 
  • Use pre-approved language from the USPTO ID Manual whenever possible to avoid the $200 free-form surcharge.
  • Ensure completeness (e.g., translations, domicile, verification) to avoid the $100 insufficient-information fee.
  • Keep descriptions concise (under 1,000 characters) to avoid escalating costs for each additional 1,000 characters.
  • Anticipate increased time and review steps when preparing multi-class applications to avoid unintended surcharges.
 
This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.  For personalized guidance, please contact the listed attorneys.