Clear pricing. Correct class selection. Status updates through the full 12-18 month process.
The hidden fees most services don't mention
These are actual complaints from LegalZoom, Trademarkia, and Trademark Engine reviews. Here is where they drop the ball — and how TradeMaker does it differently.
"There was an extra $200/class surcharge I didn't know about."
USPTO fee schedule (most services don't warn you)
We use ID Manual-compliant descriptions that avoid the $200/class free-form surcharge. On a 3-class filing, that's $600 saved.
"I had no idea there was a separate government fee until checkout."
LegalZoom review
We show the full cost - our fee + USPTO fee - before you enter a single detail.
"Filed months ago and have no idea what is happening."
Trademark Engine review
Your dashboard shows every milestone. We notify you when anything changes.
"They filed in the wrong class. My mark has no protection where it matters."
Trademarkia review
Class selection is our first step, not an afterthought. AI walks you through all 45 classes.
"Got an Office Action and had no idea what to do next."
General filing service review
We explain every status change. For Office Actions, we refer you to Melivate Group for attorney representation.
The process
Run a clearance search across 14M+ trademark records before spending anything. Know your risk before you commit.
Wrong class = no protection where it counts. Our AI class finder covers all 45 Nice Classification categories and uses ID Manual descriptions to avoid the $200/class surcharge.
Step-by-step intake covering applicant details, mark type, filing basis, goods and services descriptions, and specimen guidance.
Your file is organized and reviewed for completeness. You approve before anything goes to the USPTO.
After submission
The most common complaint across all trademark services: clients feel abandoned after paying. Here is the exact timeline you can expect.
Application submitted to USPTO. Serial number assigned.
USPTO conducts initial formality review.
Examiner reviews for conflicts and compliance.
Office Action issued. You have 3 months to respond.
Published for 30-day opposition period.
Registration certificate issued (if no issues).
Your TradeMaker portal updates at each step. You receive notifications for status changes, examiner actions, and upcoming deadlines - so you never have to wonder where things stand.
Comparison
Our commitments
Full cost shown before payment. Our fee and the USPTO fee are listed separately so you know exactly who gets what.
We contact you when your application status changes. Not to upsell you on things you did not ask for.
Your portal stays active through the full USPTO process - 12 to 18 months. We notify you at every milestone.
We prepare documents. We do not give legal advice. When you need an attorney, we say so and send you to one.
Our preparation fee and the USPTO government fee are listed separately everywhere on this site. There is no "processing fee," no "attorney review add-on," and nothing revealed at checkout.
If your mark faces a likelihood-of-confusion refusal, you need to oppose another trademark, or your filing involves international rights - those require licensed legal counsel, not a preparation platform. We are upfront about this boundary.
Our partner firm Melivate Group handles full trademark legal representation, office action responses, and USPTO proceedings.
Describe your business. Our AI reads it and finds the right classes. No account, no USPTO login, no credit card.
Need legal advice? Melivate Group →