The cost of registering a trademark in Colorado varies depending on several factors. Since Colorado does not have its own state trademark registration system, as trademark law is governed by federal law in the United States, the process can take several months or even over a year to complete. Once a registered trademark is granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the brand owner is required to continue to use the trademark in commerce.
Steps to Register
Trademark Application
- File a trademark application with the USPTO.
- Choose a basis for your application.
- Pay the filing fee and submit any required documents.
- Review and approval of application, then issuance of trademark registration certificate.
Trade Name Registration
- Register a trade name by filing a Statement of Trade Name with the Colorado Secretary of State and pay a $20 registration fee.
- Check with the USPTO to ensure your business name hasn’t been trademarked by someone else.
Costs and Guidelines
Trademark Costs
- Register a DBA: $20 registration fee and a $10 renewal fee annually.
- Sole Proprietorship: Statement of Trade Name with a filing fee of $20.
- Partnership: Statement of Trade Name with a filing fee of $25.
- Corporation: Articles of Incorporation with a filing fee of $50.
- LLC: $10 periodic report fee each year.
Filing a Trademark Application
- Must have a sample of your trademark and a description of the goods or services it will be used on.
- Amend your trademark application after filing if necessary.
Business Entity Search
- Use the Colorado Secretary of State’s website to search for business information.
Seeking Professional Help
Considering the complexity of the process, working with a qualified attorney or trademark registration service like Trademark Plus is crucial, who offers comprehensive trademark search and ongoing monitoring services.
Benefits of a Trademark Attorney
- Trademark Law is complicated and nuanced; expertise can prevent refused applications and additional costs.
- While anyone can apply for a trademark, hiring an attorney simplifies the process further and may improve the chances of a successful registration.
Self-Filing Considerations
- Determine if your logo is eligible for trademark protection, ensuring it is distinctive and not similar to existing logos.
- Familiarize yourself with the application process to decrease the chance of a costly problem.
Understanding Colorado Trademarks
A Colorado trademark distinguishes goods, products, or services to indicate their source of ownership. It can be a name, word, symbol, phrase, slogan, design, or an assortment of these, with the purpose of identification and differentiation in the marketplace. Trademarks serve as legal protections for brand identity and intellectual property rights.