When building a brand, protecting your logo is one of the smartest legal steps you can take. A trademark helps safeguard your brand identity, ensuring your logo isn't misused or copied by others. But when it comes to filing, many business owners face a key question: should you trademark your logo at the state or federal level?
This blog breaks down the difference between state and federal trademark registration and helps you decide what’s best for your business in 2025 and beyond.
A logo trademark is a legal protection granted to a visual design that distinguishes your brand from others in the market. Unlike a standard wordmark that covers just the name or slogan, a logo trademark protects the artistic and visual components — such as design, font, colors, and arrangement — used in your brand’s logo.
Registering your logo as a trademark ensures you have exclusive rights to use it in connection with your goods or services. More importantly, it gives you the legal foundation to prevent others from using something confusingly similar.
State-level trademark registration is handled by each individual state’s Secretary of State office. It offers protection only within the boundaries of that specific state. This type of registration is often selected by small businesses or startups that operate locally.
State trademarks are generally faster to process and come with lower filing fees, often between $50 and $150. This makes them a budget-friendly option for businesses that are just starting out or whose customer base is concentrated in one state.
However, the protection is limited. If someone registers a similar logo at the federal level or in another state, they may have broader rights than you — especially if they filed first. And if your business expands outside your home state, your state registration won’t be enough to enforce your trademark elsewhere.
Federal trademark registration is managed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). When you register your logo federally, you gain exclusive rights to use it across all 50 states and U.S. territories. This is the most comprehensive form of trademark protection available in the United States.
While federal filing is more expensive (starting around $250–$350 per class of goods or services), the benefits are substantial. You can use the ® symbol with your logo, making your trademark official and more intimidating to potential infringers. You’ll also have access to federal courts for enforcement and can record your trademark with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to block counterfeit imports.
Federal registration also provides the legal groundwork if you want to expand internationally. Many countries require proof of existing protection before allowing you to file abroad, and a federal U.S. trademark helps streamline that process.
That said, federal trademark registration can be time-consuming and complex. The USPTO reviews applications rigorously, and the process can take anywhere from 8 months to over a year depending on objections, oppositions, or filing errors.
The right decision depends on where and how you operate your business.
If you only sell within your home state and don’t plan to expand in the near future, state registration might suffice — at least as a temporary measure. It allows you to establish some level of protection quickly and cost-effectively.
However, if you sell online, ship products out of state, operate multiple locations, or plan to grow beyond your state borders, federal registration is the smarter investment. Not only does it secure broader rights, but it also helps you build brand equity and protect your business from infringement on a national scale.
For many business owners, starting with a state trademark and then filing for federal protection as the business scales is a reasonable strategy. But be cautious — if someone else files a federal application before you, even after you’ve secured a state trademark, you may find yourself facing legal limitations or conflicts.
Consider these examples:
Yes, you can. Some business owners choose to file both state and federal trademarks. This can be beneficial if they need immediate local protection while waiting for the federal application to process.
However, if you secure a federal trademark, it will override the need for a state-level registration, as your rights will already extend to all U.S. states.
Trademarking your logo is an essential part of protecting your business identity. While state registration offers a quick and affordable solution for local businesses, federal trademark registration provides stronger, nationwide protection that can support long-term growth and legal confidence.
If your business is growing, has a digital presence, or is planning to scale, federal registration should be your top priority. The added security, brand value, and enforcement options make it a worthwhile investment.
Still unsure? Consulting a trademark professional or attorney can help you assess your needs and file your logo correctly — whether at the state level, federal level, or both.