The leading trademark attorney firms in the United States are widely recognized for their legal expertise and exceptional client service. Their pricing structures vary based on the complexity and scope of the trademark work, ranging from flat fees to hourly billing. Below are eight of the top U.S. trademark firms, along with their estimated costs and areas of specialization. In general, most firms charge hourly rates between $300 and $800, or offer flat fees between $500 and $2,000 for trademark filings, depending on the complexity of the case.
US Trademark Attorney
Hiring a U.S. trademark attorney is crucial for successfully navigating the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) process, which includes trademark searches, application filings, responding to office actions, and ongoing maintenance. The total cost depends on several factors—such as the attorney’s experience, firm size, case complexity (including number of classes, international elements, or disputes), and whether the firm charges hourly or flat fees.
As of 2025, USPTO filing fees are $350 per class for standard applications. Attorney fees for a basic federal trademark application typically range from $1,000 to $2,000, excluding government fees, with many specialized firms offering flat-rate packages that cover filing and follow-up services.
Top 8 US Trademark Attorney
Here are 8 top U.S. trademark attorneys and their firm introductions, recognized for excellence in trademark law and brand protection. These professionals are consistently ranked for their expertise in trademark prosecution, litigation, and strategic IP counsel.
Trademark Attorney Cost Breakdown
| Service | Average Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | $0–$100 | Many firms offer free or discounted first-hour consultations; flat fees may apply for detailed assessments. |
| Trademark Clearance Search | $300–$1,000 | A comprehensive search to identify conflicts; essential for avoiding rejections (over 50% of self-filed applications fail). |
| Application Preparation & Filing | $500–$2,000 (flat fee) + $350 USPTO fee per class | Includes drafting, classification, and submission; costs increase for logos or multiple classes. |
| Responding to Office Actions | $200–$1,000 per response | Required when addressing USPTO refusals or inquiries; 1–3 responses are common. |
| Statement of Use or Maintenance Filings | $100–$500 per class | Due 6–36 months after approval; covers attorney review and submission. |
| Litigation or Opposition | $300–$800/hour | Hourly billing for disputes; full cases can exceed $10,000–$100,000+ depending on complexity. |
| Total for Basic Registration (1 class, no issues) | $1,000–$2,500 | Includes search, filing, and USPTO fees; smaller firms tend to charge less, large firms more. |
Hourly Rates: Range from $180–$800, averaging $300–$400 for mid-tier attorneys.
Flat Fee vs. Hourly: About 70% of attorneys use flat fees for routine filings to help clients control costs; hourly billing is reserved for complex or contested matters.
Savings Tip: Using an attorney significantly boosts approval rates (to 80–90%) and helps avoid refiling costs (often $500+ per retry). DIY filings save upfront costs but risk longer delays (the process can take 1–3 years).
Note: Costs have increased approximately 5–10% since 2024 due to inflation and USPTO fee adjustments, though boutique firms continue to offer competitive pricing. Lets Dive into discuss about Top 10 U.S. Trademark Attorneys & Their Firms.
1. Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP – Marc Lieberstein
Marc Lieberstein is a highly experienced intellectual property attorney with over three decades of practice. He is currently with Akerman LLP, having previously been affiliated with Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP. His expertise spans:
- Trademark licensing and franchising
- Brand commercialization and strategy
- Trademark prosecution and enforcement
- Global IP portfolio management
Location: Atlanta, San Francisco, New York, DC
Tier/Band: Band 1 (Chambers); Gold (WTR)
Notable Expertise & Clients: Prosecution, portfolio mgmt., China-US cross-border; clients: Coca-Cola, Nike, Google. 35+ attorneys ranked #1 nationally.
Estimated Cost
- Hourly Rate: $500–$800
For complex trademark licensing, enforcement, and litigation matters. - Flat Fee (Trademark Filing): $1,200–$2,000
Includes USPTO filing, clearance search, and standard correspondence. - Franchise Agreement Drafting: $3,000–$6,000+
Varies based on project scope and jurisdiction. - Trademark Opposition or Cancellation Proceedings: $5,000–$15,000+
Depends on case duration and complexity.
These figures reflect standard rates for top-tier trademark attorneys in New York, and align with Marc Lieberstein’s recognition in the World Trademark Review 1000 and Best Lawyers rankings.
Contact Details for Marc A. Lieberstein
- Full Name: Marc Ari Lieberstein
- Firm: Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
- Address: 1114 Avenue of The Americas, 21st Floor, New York, NY 10036-7709
- Phone: (212) 775-8781
- Email: Not publicly listed
- Bar Registration: New York State, admitted in 1993
- Education: Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
2. Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu, P.C
This is a premier intellectual property law firm based in New York City, widely recognized for its expertise in trademark law.
The firm specializes in trademark clearance, registration, enforcement, and litigation, as well as copyright, design patents, and domain name disputes. Their attorneys are frequently ranked in top legal directories such as World Trademark Review 1000, Legal 500, and Best Lawyers in America.
These fees usually include a comprehensive trademark search, filing with the USPTO, and basic correspondence. More complex services like oppositions, cancellations, or international filings may incur higher costs.
Notable attorneys at the firm include Karen Lim, Allison Strickland Ricketts, and James Weinberger, all of whom are recognized for their strategic counsel and deep experience in global brand protection.
Contact Details
Located at 151 West 42nd Street, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10036, the firm serves a global clientele ranging from multinational corporations to emerging startups. Their phone number is (212) 813-5900, and their website is frosszelnick.com.
Cost
Pricing for trademark services at Fross Zelnick typically starts at $500 to $850 per hour, depending on the attorney’s seniority and the complexity of the matter. For standard trademark filings, flat fees generally range from $1,500 to $2,000.
3. Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Based in Seattle, Davis Wright Tremaine provides comprehensive trademark services, including clearance searches, prosecution, and litigation. The firm is well known for representing clients in the media, technology, and entertainment sectors, offering strategic brand protection and portfolio management. Its attorneys are recognized for delivering efficient, cost-effective counsel, with both flat-fee and hourly billing options available for trademark filings.
Notable Expertise & Clients: Specializes in media/entertainment trademarks, digital brands, and anti-counterfeiting; strong in First Amendment issues and tech licensing. Handles complex oppositions and global filings. Clients: Amazon, Disney, NBCUniversal, tech startups in AI and streaming. 20+ attorneys in IP group; praised for responsive service in client reviews (4.9/5 on Clutch).
Tier/Band : Band 1 (Chambers Northwest); Silver (WTR); Tier 1 (U.S. News)
Contact Details
Headquarters: Seattle, WA
Website: dwt.com
Trademark Focus: Clearance, prosecution, enforcement, litigation
Industries Served: Media, entertainment, fashion, tech, food & beverage
Cost
- Hourly Rate: $450–$700
- Flat Fee (USPTO Filing): $1,200–$1,800 Notable Attorneys: Alexandra Nicholson, Roxanne Elings Highlights: Known for lean staffing and strategic brand protection. Ranked in World IP Review and Chambers USA.
4. Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Headquartered in Richmond, Hunton Andrews Kurth oversees global trademark portfolios and develops comprehensive anti-counterfeiting strategies. The firm represents clients across the retail, financial, and consumer goods industries, safeguarding thousands of trademarks worldwide. Its attorneys provide strategic counsel on trademark registration, enforcement, and portfolio management, with pricing structured through flat fees or hourly rates based on the complexity and scale of each brand.
Notable Expertise & Clients: Expertise in energy, financial services trademarks, and domain disputes; robust in litigation and UDRP proceedings. Focuses on brand protection in emerging markets. Clients: Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, energy firms like Dominion Energy. 25 IP specialists; commended for strategic counseling (4.7/5 on Clutch).
Tier/Band: Band 2 (Chambers); Silver (WTR); Tier 1 (U.S. News)
Est. Basic Filing Cost: $1,700–$2,700
Contact Details
Headquarters: Richmond, VA
Website: hunton.com
Trademark Focus: Global portfolio management, enforcement, anti-counterfeiting Industries Served: Retail, consumer goods, financial services
Cost Estimate
- Hourly Rate: $450–$750
- Flat Fee (USPTO Filing): $1,200–$1,800 Notable Attorneys: John Gary Maynard, Stephen Demm Highlights: Manages thousands of marks in nearly 200 countries. Protects two of Forbes’ top 10 global trademarks
5. Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie, a global leader in trademark law with U.S. headquarters in Chicago, offers end-to-end services in brand management, licensing, and litigation across multiple jurisdictions. The firm’s extensive IP team, comprising hundreds of attorneys, represents major multinational corporations. Consistently ranked by Chambers and The Legal 500, Baker McKenzie delivers comprehensive trademark solutions with premium, top-tier pricing structures reflective of its international reach and expertise.
Notable Expertise & Clients: World leader in multinational trademark strategies, including Madrid Protocol filings and anti-piracy programs; excels in supply chain IP risks. Covers all industries with seamless global coordination. Clients: Apple, Microsoft, Unilever, Fortune 500 multinationals. 100+ US IP attorneys; highest volume of international filings (4.9/5 client ratings).
Contact Details
Headquarters: Chicago, IL (U.S. HQ)
Website: bakermckenzie.com
Trademark Focus: Brand management, enforcement, licensing, litigation
Industries Served: Multinational corporations across all sectors
Cost Estimate
- Hourly Rate: $500–$850
- Flat Fee (USPTO Filing): $1,500–$2,200 Notable Attorneys: Global IP team with 400+ lawyers Highlights: Offers 360° IP solutions with unmatched jurisdictional coverage. Ranked in Chambers USA and Legal 500
6. Leydig, Voit & Mayer, Ltd.
A recognized leader in trademark and broader intellectual property law, Leydig, Voit & Mayer Ltd. serves leading U.S. brands from its Chicago headquarters. This boutique IP firm is nationally acclaimed for its focused trademark practice, specializing in prosecution, clearance, and enforcement for clients in technology, manufacturing, and life sciences. Known for handling high-volume filings with a client-focused, results-driven approach, the firm offers exceptional depth and expertise.
- Recognition: Frequently ranked in the IAM Patent 1000, World Trademark Review 1000, and Managing IP guides.
- Technical Depth: Many attorneys hold advanced science and engineering degrees, making the firm particularly strong in tech and biotech matters.
- Litigation Excellence: Renowned for its courtroom success in trademark and patent disputes.
- Client-Centric Service: Focused on efficiency, transparency, and measurable outcomes.
Notable Expertise & Clients: Specializes in patent-trademark hybrids, TTAB oppositions, and portfolio management for innovators; strong in chemical, biotech, and mechanical IP. Excels in due diligence for M&A and global extensions via Madrid Protocol. Clients: Abbott Laboratories, Caterpillar, university tech transfers (e.g., University of Illinois). 50+ IP attorneys; highly rated for efficiency and expertise (4.8/5 on Clutch, with 95% repeat business).
Tier/Band: Band 1 (Chambers Illinois); Silver (WTR); Tier 2 (U.S. News)
Contact Details:
- Address: 180 N Stetson Ave, Suite 4900, Chicago, IL 60601
- Phone: (312) 616-5600
- Website: leydig.com
- Practice Areas: Trademark prosecution, litigation, licensing, patent law, copyright, trade secrets
- Industries Served: Biotech, pharmaceuticals, software, consumer goods, manufacturing, energy
- Global Reach: Offices in Chicago, Boulder, Frankfurt, and Washington, D.C.
Cost
- Trademark Clearance & Filing:
- Flat Fee: $1,200–$2,000 (includes USPTO filing, basic search, and correspondence)
- Hourly Rate:
- $450–$750/hour depending on attorney seniority and case complexity
- Trademark Litigation & TTAB Proceedings:
- $5,000–$20,000+ depending on scope and duration
- International Trademark Strategy:
- Tailored pricing based on jurisdictions and portfolio size
7. Stites & Harbison PLLC
Stites & Harbison PLLC is a highly regarded U.S. law firm recognized for its exceptional intellectual property practice, with particular strength in trademark law. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, the firm represents clients across diverse sectors, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and consumer goods.
- Experienced IP Team: Attorneys such as Terry L. Wright are featured in the World Trademark Review 1000 and Best Lawyers.
- Global Reach: Oversees and protects trademark portfolios for clients in more than 100 countries.
- Client-Centered Approach: Valued for its responsive service, practical advice, and strategic brand protection.
- Recognition: Consistently ranked by World Trademark Review, Legal 500, and Super Lawyers for excellence in IP law.
Notable Expertise & Clients: Regional focus on prosecution and TTAB litigation for consumer products, alcohol/beverages, and manufacturing; excels in portfolio audits and maintenance. Boutique feel with national reach. Clients: Brown-Forman (Jack Daniel’s), GE Appliances, regional brands. 15 IP attorneys; noted for cost-effective strategies (4.8/5 client satisfaction).
Contact
- Name: Stites & Harbison PLLC
- Headquarters: 400 West Market Street, Suite 1800, Louisville, KY 40202
- Website: stites.com
- Phone: (502) 587-3400
- Practice Areas: Trademark registration, enforcement, licensing, litigation, copyright, patents
- Industries Served: Healthcare, pharmaceuticals, financial services, consumer products, education
Cost
- Trademark Filing (USPTO):
- Flat Fee: $1,000–$1,500 (includes clearance search, filing, and basic correspondence)
- Hourly Rate:
- $350–$600/hour depending on attorney experience and case complexity
- Trademark Litigation & TTAB Proceedings:
- $5,000–$15,000+ based on scope and duration
- International Trademark Strategy:
- Tailored pricing for multi-jurisdictional filings and brand protection
8. Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP
Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP is a premier international law firm based in Washington, D.C., widely recognized for its excellence in intellectual property and trademark law. The firm advises global corporations, startups, and government entities across sectors such as life sciences, technology, consumer goods, and media.
- High-Profile Clients: Represents leading brands including Nike, Hershey, and Google.
- Litigation Excellence: Distinguished for managing complex trademark disputes and TTAB proceedings.
- Integrated IP Strategy: Offers comprehensive counsel that unites trademark, advertising, and regulatory expertise.
- Recognition: Consistently ranked in Chambers USA, Legal 500, and the World Trademark Review 1000 for its top-tier IP practice.
Notable Expertise & Clients: Elite in international trademark enforcement, customs seizures, and policy advocacy; handles high-stakes disputes and EU/US harmonization. Strong in pharma, luxury, and e-commerce. Clients: Pfizer, LVMH, Google, trade associations. 30+ ranked attorneys; top for cross-border work (5/5 in peer reviews).
Tier/Band: Band 1 (Chambers DC); Gold (WTR); Tier 1 (U.S. News)
Contact Details
- Address: 601 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
- Phone: (202) 942-5000
- Website: arnoldporter.com
- Practice Areas: Trademark prosecution, litigation, portfolio management, licensing, advertising law
- Industries Served: Pharmaceuticals, biotech, fashion, media, technology, food & beverage
- Global Reach: Offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia
Cost
- Trademark Filing (USPTO):
- Flat Fee: $1,500–$2,000 (includes clearance search, filing, and basic correspondence)
- Hourly Rate:
- $500–$800/hour depending on attorney seniority and complexity
- Trademark Litigation & TTAB Proceedings:
- $10,000–$25,000+ based on scope and jurisdiction
- International Trademark Strategy:
- Custom pricing for multi-jurisdictional filings and enforcement
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