Buying Rights To A Name May 2026

Verify the mark is active, not in legal dispute, and that the seller has the legal right to transfer it.

A USPTO attorney reviews the application (taking 8–12 months on average). If approved, it is published for 30 days to allow for public opposition. 2. Buying an Existing Trademark (Assignment) buying rights to a name

A legal contract must document the transfer of "goodwill" associated with the mark. Verify the mark is active, not in legal

The process of "buying rights to a name" typically falls into two categories: for your own business or purchasing an existing trademark from another owner through a legal assignment. 1. Registering a New Trademark 000 – $3

You must file the assignment with the USPTO Assignment Recordation Branch to make the ownership change official. The fee is approximately $40 for the first mark. Comparison of Naming Rights Costs Estimated Cost Federal Filing (Standard) $350 per class USPTO Assignment Filing Fee ZenBusiness Attorney Fees $1,000 – $3,000+ Bitlaw LegalZoom Service ~$649 + fees LegalZoom

You must specify which categories of goods or services (out of 45 classes) the name will protect. Costs are typically calculated per class.

Conduct a thorough search using the USPTO Trademark Search (formerly TESS) to ensure no similar names exist in your industry class.

Verify the mark is active, not in legal dispute, and that the seller has the legal right to transfer it.

A USPTO attorney reviews the application (taking 8–12 months on average). If approved, it is published for 30 days to allow for public opposition. 2. Buying an Existing Trademark (Assignment)

A legal contract must document the transfer of "goodwill" associated with the mark.

The process of "buying rights to a name" typically falls into two categories: for your own business or purchasing an existing trademark from another owner through a legal assignment. 1. Registering a New Trademark

You must file the assignment with the USPTO Assignment Recordation Branch to make the ownership change official. The fee is approximately $40 for the first mark. Comparison of Naming Rights Costs Estimated Cost Federal Filing (Standard) $350 per class USPTO Assignment Filing Fee ZenBusiness Attorney Fees $1,000 – $3,000+ Bitlaw LegalZoom Service ~$649 + fees LegalZoom

You must specify which categories of goods or services (out of 45 classes) the name will protect. Costs are typically calculated per class.

Conduct a thorough search using the USPTO Trademark Search (formerly TESS) to ensure no similar names exist in your industry class.