Trademark Engine pitches low-cost trademark help after USPTO fee hike

By AI, Created 9:59 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – The USPTO raised base trademark filing fees to $350 per class in 2025, making brand protection more expensive for small businesses and first-time founders. Trademark Engine says its flat-fee online service is meant to keep registration accessible as federal costs climb.

Why it matters: - The 2025 USPTO fee increase raises the cost of brand protection for small businesses, independent creators, and first-time entrepreneurs. - A higher filing bill can push some owners to delay or skip trademark registration, leaving names, logos, and business identities more exposed to infringement. - Multiple-class filings can drive government costs above $1,000 before any service fees are added.

What happened: - The United States Patent and Trademark Office increased the base trademark application fee to $350 per class in 2025, replacing the prior $250 tier. - Trademark Engine is positioning its platform as a lower-cost alternative for entrepreneurs and small businesses trying to file with the USPTO. - Joe Hunter of Trademark Engine said the company wants trademark registration to stay affordable, transparent, and accessible as federal fees rise.

The details: - Trademark Engine says it has helped more than 250,000 brand owners since 2016. - The platform says its service includes a guided online filing process, trademark search, expert application preparation, direct USPTO filing, and lifetime customer support at no extra charge. - Trademark Engine says its pricing is flat-fee and includes no hidden charges, surprise add-ons, or billable hours. - Trademark Engine says it has a 4.6-star Trustpilot rating based on more than 37,000 verified customer reviews. - The platform also offers trademark monitoring, renewal deadline reminders, copyright registration, and DBA business name registration. - Trademark Engine identifies its service as built for entrepreneurs, small business owners, startups, and independent creators. - The company lists its website as More information.

Between the lines: - The USPTO fee increase appears to widen the gap between federal filing costs and what many small businesses can comfortably spend. - Trademark Engine is using that pressure point to reinforce its value proposition: predictable pricing and bundled support instead of hourly legal costs. - The pitch also suggests that brand protection is becoming a broader operating expense, not just a one-time filing task.

What’s next: - Businesses filing trademark applications in 2025 and beyond will need to budget more carefully for government fees, especially if they file in multiple classes. - Trademark Engine is likely to continue marketing affordability and support as the USPTO fee structure remains higher than the prior standard tier. - Owners who postpone filing may face greater risk if competitors or copycats move first on a brand name or logo.