How much does it cost to register a trademark?

Costs depend on the jurisdiction. In France (INPI), the base fee is €190 for one class. In the EU (EUIPO), it starts at €850. In the USA (USPTO), fees range from $250 to $350 per class. Additional classes and attorney fees can increase total costs to €1,500–€3,000 or more.

How long does the trademark registration process take?

The timeline varies by country. In France, expect about 4 to 6 months. EU-wide registration through EUIPO typically takes 5 to 8 months if unopposed. In the USA, the process can take 8 to 12 months or longer if there are objections or office actions.

Trademark Registration: Procedure, Costs & Practical Advice

Why Trademark Registration Matters for Your Brand

Your brand name, logo, and tagline are more than creative assets—they are legal property. Without formal trademark registration, any competitor can use a confusingly similar name, dilute your reputation, or even force you to rebrand.

Whether you are launching a startup or scaling an established business, registering your trademark is one of the smartest investments you can make. Let’s break down the procedure, the real costs, and the practical advice you need to get it right.

The Trademark Registration Procedure: Step by Step

1. Conduct a Trademark Search

Before filing, you must verify that your desired name or logo isn’t already registered. Use the free databases provided by trademark offices:

France (INPI): Search on the INPI online database
European Union (EUIPO): Use the eSearch plus tool
United States (USPTO): Check the TESS database

Skipping this step is risky. If your application conflicts with an existing mark, you lose your filing fees and potentially face legal action.

2. Choose Your Nice Classes

Trademarks are registered under specific categories called “Nice classes.” There are 45 classes covering goods and services. For example:

Class 25: Clothing and footwear
Class 35: Advertising and business management
Class 42: Software development and IT services

Selecting the right classes is critical—register too few and you leave gaps in protection; register too many and you inflate costs unnecessarily.

3. File Your Application

Submit your application online through the relevant intellectual property office. You will need to provide:

The trademark (word, logo, or combined mark)
The applicant’s details
A list of goods and services by class
Payment of the filing fee

4. Examination, Publication & Registration

The office examines your application for conflicts and compliance. If approved, the trademark is published in an official bulletin. Third parties typically have 2 to 3 months to oppose. If no opposition is filed, your trademark is officially registered.

Trademark Registration Costs: A Realistic Breakdown

Here is what you can expect to pay in 2024–2025:

Jurisdiction	Base Fee	Additional Class	Typical Total (1–2 classes)
France (INPI)	€190	€40 per class	€190–€230
EU (EUIPO)	€850	€50 (2nd) / €150 (3rd+)	€850–€1,050
USA (USPTO)	$250–$350	$250–$350 per class	$500–$700
International (WIPO Madrid)	~653 CHF	Varies by country	€1,500–€5,000+

If you hire a trademark attorney—which is recommended for complex filings—add €500 to €2,000 depending on the scope.

Practical Advice to Protect Your Brand

Register Before You Build

Many entrepreneurs design a website, order packaging, and launch marketing campaigns before securing their trademark. This is a costly mistake. If someone else holds the rights, you may be forced to start over.

At Lueur Externe, a web agency based in the Alpes-Maritimes with over 20 years of experience in branding and digital strategy, we consistently advise clients to finalize trademark registration before investing in a full digital presence. Your domain name, social media handles, and brand identity should all align with a legally protected mark.

Think Beyond Your Home Country

If you sell internationally—or plan to—consider EU-wide protection through EUIPO or international registration via the Madrid Protocol. A French INPI registration only protects you in France.

Monitor and Enforce

Registration alone is not enough. Set up monitoring alerts for similar filings. If you discover infringement, act quickly—delays can weaken your legal position.

Key Tips at a Glance

Start with a thorough trademark search to avoid rejection
Choose your Nice classes strategically based on current and future activities
Budget €200–€2,000+ depending on jurisdiction and professional support
File early to establish priority over competitors
Renew on time—trademarks typically last 10 years and are renewable indefinitely

Conclusion: Build Your Brand on Solid Ground

Trademark registration is not a bureaucratic formality—it is the legal foundation of your brand. With costs starting as low as €190 in France and a process that takes just a few months, there is no reason to delay.

Once your trademark is secured, the next step is building a professional, brand-consistent online presence. That is exactly where Lueur Externe excels—from WordPress and PrestaShop development to SEO strategy, we help businesses turn a protected brand into a powerful digital asset.

Ready to align your brand identity with a world-class website? Get in touch with Lueur Externe and let’s build something that lasts.