What Does a Trademark Application Fee Consist Of?
Traditional trademark application fees typically consist of the following components:
Trademark Search : Some trademark agents charge separately for trademark search services. These searches help identify potentially conflicting trademarks, assess registration risks, and improve the likelihood of successful registration.
Official Fees : These are fees charged by the relevant intellectual property office in the jurisdiction where the application is filed. Official fees are generally calculated based on the number of classes applied for and vary by jurisdiction.
Notarization Fees (Where Applicable) : Some jurisdictions require notarized documents during the application process, such as identity documents or powers of attorney. The cost depends on the number of documents and local notarization requirements.
Certificate Fees (Where Applicable) : In some jurisdictions, an official registration certificate fee is payable after the trademark has been approved for registration. The registration process may not be completed until the required certificate fee has been paid.
Service Fees : These cover administrative and professional services, including document preparation, application filing, progress monitoring, and general application support.
At Regitup, we provide a free self-service trademark search tool. The fees for our registration plans already include the official filing fees and basic service fees.
The Professional Registration and Premium Registration plans are priced higher because they include professional trademark search analysis and assistance with drafting more comprehensive goods and services specifications, helping to strengthen trademark protection and reduce registration risks.
As certificate fees are generally payable only after a trademark has been approved for registration, they are not included in the application filing fee.
How Do Jurisdictions and Classes Affect the Cost?
Trademark application fees are generally calculated based on the number of classes being applied for. The more classes included in an application, the higher the overall cost. However, fee structures vary by jurisdiction.
π Some Jurisdictions Charge the Same Fee for Every Class
For example, in Mainland China, the minimum fee is HK$1,800 per class.
If you apply for three classes : HK$1,800 Γ 3 = HK$5,400
π Some Jurisdictions Charge Lower Fees for Additional Classes
For example, in Hong Kong, the minimum fee is HK$2,500 for the first class and HK$1,500 for each additional class.
If you apply for three classes : HK$2,500 + (HK$1,500 Γ 2) = HK$5,500
π Some Jurisdictions Include Multiple Classes in the Initial Filing Fee
For example, in Germany and Switzerland, the initial filing fee includes up to three classes. Additional fees apply only from the fourth class onwards.
In addition, some jurisdictions impose limits on the number of goods or services that may be included within a class. Additional fees may apply if the official limit is exceeded or if customized specifications are required.
Examples based on current requirements in 2026:
Mainland China: Up to 10 items per class
Taiwan: Up to 20 items per class (5 items for Class 35)
Vietnam: Up to 6 items per class
We recommend selecting appropriate jurisdictions, classes, and specifications based on your current business activities and future expansion plans to achieve suitable trademark protection while managing costs effectively.
Will There Be Any Additional Fees After Filing?
In most cases, no additional fees are incurred after a trademark application has been filed. However, additional costs may arise if any of the following situations occur:
The application is refused by the trademark office
An office action or amendment request is issued
A third-party opposition is filed
Amendments to the Goods and Services Specification
Additional supporting documents, evidence, or declarations must be submitted
In such circumstances, applicants may need to provide further responses, submit additional documents, or undertake extra procedures to continue the application process. These actions may involve additional official fees and professional service charges. Whether additional fees are incurred ultimately depends on whether further procedures are required during examination or in response to third-party challenges.
π‘ Conducting a trademark search or obtaining professional advice before filing can help identify potential risks at an early stage and reduce the likelihood of additional costs arising from objections or refusals.