How to protect your brand name, logo and business identity with the USPTO — written in plain language, with real screenshots of every screen you will see.
The full 2025/2026 USPTO fee schedule with fee codes — including the surcharges most filers get hit with by accident.
Real screenshots of every USPTO screen, so you always know you are in the right place.
The knockout search method, including the phonetic variations examiners actually check.
How to choose between Section 1(a), 1(b) and 44(e) — and what each one costs you if you pick wrong.
A trademark class cheat sheet for the classes small brands use most.
Your maintenance calendar: Section 8, 9 and 15 deadlines so you never lose the registration you paid for.
What to do if you get an Office Action, and how long you actually have to respond.
The six steps
1Create and log in to your USPTO account
2Verify your identity with ID.me (one time, ~15 minutes)
3Set up multi-factor authentication
4Run a knockout search before you spend a dollar
5Navigate the Trademark Center and pick the right form
6File your application and pay the correct fees
Who this is for
Founders, creatives and small business owners who want to file their own trademark and not guess. Written for absolute beginners — if you can follow a recipe, you can follow this. 29 pages.
Educational information only. Not legal advice, and no attorney–client relationship is created by purchasing or reading this guide. Digital product — all sales final.