Trademark Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does a trademark registration last in Wisconsin?
- Is a trademark registration required in Wisconsin?
- How do I file a trademark online?
- Does the Registration, Renewal and Assignment need to be notarized?
- How much does a Trademark cost to register?
- How much does a cancellation or change of address or contact information cost?
- How can I search for trademarks already registered in Wisconsin?
- Who can register a Trademark?
- Can a Trademark be an entity’s name?
Trademark FAQs
How long does a trademark registration last in Wisconsin?
The registration expires 10 years from the date of registration unless you renew the registration within six months of the date of expiration.
Is a trademark registration required in Wisconsin?
No, the registration is not required, but is a good way to notify the public of the use of a certain name or mark.
How do I file a trademark online?
You can create a free account in the Trademark filing system
to begin filing trademark registrations. Once the review of the document is completed,
you will receive an email with the results or you can view the results in your online submission history.
Does the Registration, Renewal and Assignment need to be notarized?
Yes, most trademark filings are required to be notarized. Once your application is filled out online, you will print the application and “save application for later date” in your online account.
The application can then be signed in the presence of a notary and the notarized form can be uploaded for submission upon returning to your saved online filing.
How much does a Trademark cost to register?
There is a $15 filing fee for each name, phrase, design, or logo to be registered.
How much does a cancellation or change of address or contact information cost?
Trademark cancellations and amendments are free to file and are not required to be notarized.
How can I search for trademarks already registered in Wisconsin?
You can click on Search Registered Trademarks box in the main menu dropdown or visit the Trademark filing system
and create a free account. Once you have logged into your account you may perform basic and advanced searches for no fee.
Who can register a Trademark?
Trademarks or tradenames applications may be filed with the Trademarks Bureau by an individual or any type of business organization or entity, provided the mark is not currently registered with the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). Please note, however, that filing a tradename for an entity is NOT the same as registering that entity to do business in Wisconsin, and it does not reserve the entity name for exclusive use within the state’s business records system. To create a new entity, to register an existing entity to do business in this state, or to reserve an entity name in the state’s business records system, see the Corporations Bureau page here.
Can a Trademark be an entity’s name?
Yes, but note that filing a trademark or trade name for an entity is NOT the same as registering that entity to do business in Wisconsin, and it does not reserve the entity name for exclusive use within the state’s business records system. To create a new entity, to register an existing entity to do business in this state, or to reserve an entity name in the state’s business records system, see the Corporations Bureau page here.