File a Trademark Yourself vs. a Filing Service vs. an Attorney
Updated November 3, 2026
| File yourself (USPTO) | Online filing service | Trademark attorney | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who files | You, in USPTO Trademark Center | The service, using your answers | A licensed attorney |
| Cost | USPTO fees only | USPTO fees + service fee | USPTO fees + legal fees |
| Clearance search | You do it | Often an add-on | Usually included or quoted |
| Legal advice | No | No (unless an attorney package) | Yes |
| Office action help | You respond | Varies, often extra | Yes |
| Foreign-domiciled owners | Not allowed: a US attorney is required | Only via their attorney | Yes |
Filing it yourself
Best when the mark is distinctive, you've done a trademark search, and your goods or services match entries in the USPTO ID Manual (free-form descriptions cost an extra $200 per class). Use our trademark cost calculator to add up the fees first.
Online filing services
Services such as LegalZoom or similar sites sell a guided form, reminders and optional add-ons. They are not law firms unless you buy a package with an attorney, so they can't advise whether your mark is registrable. Check what's included and whether USPTO fees are extra before paying. Also watch for official-looking solicitation letters after you file; they are not from the USPTO.
Hiring an attorney
Worth it for a valuable brand, a crowded field, or a refusal under Section 2(d) (likelihood of confusion). Foreign-domiciled applicants must use a US-licensed attorney. Request a free, no-obligation call; Registry Consulting is not a law firm and may be paid by firms that receive requests.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Is LegalZoom the USPTO?
No. Filing services are private companies. The only official filing system is the USPTO's.
Do I need a lawyer to file a trademark?
Not if you live in the US. Foreign-domiciled applicants must be represented by a US-licensed attorney.
Keep reading
- Talk to a Trademark AttorneyRequest a call from a trademark attorney or legal-service partner about registering or protecting your brand.
- Trademark Attorney: When You Need One and What to AskWhen it's worth hiring a trademark attorney, who is required to use one, how fees typically work, and…
- How to Trademark a Business Name (and When You Can't)How to trademark a business or brand name, what makes a name registrable, and the difference between a trade…
Your next step
Estimate your USPTO fees. It takes a minute and it's free.
Estimate your USPTO fees →