Frequently Asked Questions

FlatFeeTrademark.com is a service of the trademark law firm, Minott Gore, P.A.

Founded by licensed U.S. trademark attorneys Keesonga Gore, Esq. and Serena Minott, Esq., FlatFee Trademark makes federal trademark registration simple, affordable, and transparent. This is not an automated filing service. Every trademark application is reviewed and prepared by an experienced trademark attorney who understands how the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) examination process.

We don’t use confusing hourly billing or vague pricing models. Our flat-fee trademark service covers you from start to finish, including a comprehensive trademark search and attorney opinion letter, a professionally prepared trademark application, and ongoing representation at the USPTO while your application is pending. You’ll know exactly what’s included and how much it costs before we begin.

Yes, we’re real, licensed U.S. trademark attorneys with decades of combined experience in federal and international trademark law. We represent clients before the USPTO, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and in brand enforcement matters.

Unlike many online filing platforms, our firm provides real legal advice based on years of experience working with the USPTO and the pitfalls that can derail your trademark process. We analyze your brand name, logo, or slogan for potential conflicts, align them with your business strategy, and advise you on the appropriate classes or filing basis before submitting your application.

If you’re a foreign-domiciled applicant or non-U.S. based company, you must work with a licensed U.S. attorney. Our licensed trademark attorneys are able to represent you at the USPTO.  

Our flat-fee trademark registration model was designed for entrepreneurs who value clarity, efficiency, and results. Instead of unpredictable hourly rates, you get one transparent fee covering:
• A comprehensive federal trademark search
• Attorney analysis and opinion
• Preparation and filing of your USPTO application
• Ongoing monitoring of the application during USPTO examination
• Non-substantive responses to USPTO requests
• Electronic trademark registration certificate once issued

Flat-fee pricing allows you to plan your budget and know exactly what’s included. Substantive Office Action responses that require us to present arguments and evidence in support of your trademark application are subject to separate legal fees.

Our $675 legal fee covers professional services for filing your application. The USPTO government fee is additional and depends on the number of classes of goods/services, currently $350 per class.

Most small businesses file in one class, such as clothing, beauty, or education services. We’ll help you determine the correct class before filing so you don’t overpay or risk rejection.

If your comprehensive trademark search identifies an existing mark that’s too similar or likely to cause confusion with yours, don’t worry, that’s exactly why we conduct the search before filing. Our goal is to save you time, money, and frustration by spotting potential issues early.

If the search results show a conflict, we’ll discuss your options and next steps:
• We’ll suggest possible alterations or suggest a stylized logo to increase the likelihood of success for your mark.
• Alternate mark: We’ll perform a secondary search of one alternate name or logo at no additional cost.
• Refund option: If you decide not to move forward and don’t have another mark to search, you’ll receive a $250 refund (the difference between your original $675 fee and the cost of the Comprehensive Trademark Search and Attorney Opinion Letter that we completed).

Our priority is protecting your investment and ensuring you only file when your mark has a strong chance of approval.

The timeline varies, but most applications move through the USPTO in 8 to 12 months from filing to registration. Here’s a general timeline 1. Comprehensive trademark search and Attorney Opinion Letter (4-5 business days)
2. With your approval, we prepare the trademark application for your review and signature.
3. Once signed, we will file the Application with the USPTO. You will receive an email with your trademark serial number.
4. USPTO Review  typically begins around 3–4 months after filing.
5. Publication Period – once approved, your mark is published for opposition during a 30-day period.
6. Notice of Allowance (for Intent to Use application) or Certificate of Registration – issued about 3–4 months after publication.

Delays may occur if the USPTO issues an Office Action or requests additional information.

Absolutely. The USPTO requires foreign applicants to be represented by a licensed U.S. trademark attorney, and we routinely assist international clients.

We work with business owners and law firms worldwide to file U.S. applications, respond to USPTO actions, and maintain active registrations. Whether you’re an international e-commerce brand, a startup expanding into the U.S., or a global manufacturer entering the American market, we’ll ensure your filing meets all U.S. requirements.

Yes! In addition to U.S. federal trademark registration, we assist clients with international trademark filings in nearly every major market.

While the Madrid Protocol allows U.S. trademark owners to extend protection to multiple countries with one application, our firm often recommends filing directly with local counsel in each target country or region. This method provides more flexibility, clearer communication, and faster results; and our relationships with experienced local attorneys ensure that your application is handled by a licensed professional in each jurisdiction.

Whether you want to protect your mark in Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, Asia, or elsewhere, we’ll coordinate the process seamlessly so your brand is protected worldwide.

Once your order is placed, you’ll receive an email confirmation. From there:
1. We conduct a comprehensive trademark search.
2. Our attorneys analyze the search results and provide professional recommendations.
3. With your approval and depending on the Search Results, we prepare and file your USPTO application.
4. We will send your trademark application Serial Number so you may track your application at any time.
5. We continue to serve as your Attorney of Record at the USPTO, monitoring your application through every stage and providing status updates.
6. Our service includes standard, non-substantive responses to USPTO Office Actions to keep your application moving forward. 

All you need to do is provide accurate business details and respond promptly if we need clarification. We handle the rest, from filing to final registration.

Not yet. You can only use the ® symbol once your mark is officially registered with the USPTO. While your application is pending, you may use the ™ symbol (for goods) or ℠ (for services) to show that you claim trademark rights.

Using ® prematurely could be considered misleading under federal law. Once your registration certificate is issued, we’ll let you know that you can proudly add the ® to your logo, packaging, and marketing materials.

Not every name or logo can be trademarked. Your brand must be distinctive — not merely descriptive or generic — and not confusingly similar to an existing registered mark.

We conduct a comprehensive trademark search to determine eligibility and identify potential conflicts before you file. If your mark is too descriptive or conflicts exist, we’ll suggest ways to strengthen your application, such as adding a design element or tagline.