Multi-Class Filings & Madrid Protocol
Trademark fees are charged per class, not per application, so the number of classes you claim drives the bill. When you also want protection abroad, the Madrid Protocol extends a single US filing into many jurisdictions.
How classes multiply the cost
The USPTO uses the international Nice Classification, which groups goods into Classes 1–34 and services into Classes 35–45. Every class you cover adds a full base fee. A clothing brand in Class 25 pays $350; the same brand adding jewelry in Class 14 pays $700; three classes come to $1,050 before any surcharge.
Identify every class that covers what you sell or plan to sell up front. Adding a class later means a fresh $350 base fee plus any surcharges, so a careful classification review prevents sticker shock at checkout.
Madrid Protocol basics
The Madrid Protocol lets you seek protection in many member countries through one international application, based on a US application or registration. You file through the USPTO, which certifies the base to WIPO; WIPO then routes the designations to each designated member. It is generally cheaper and simpler than filing separate national applications, but each designated country still applies its own rules.
WIPO fees for an international application
WIPO sets the international fees in Swiss francs. As of 2025 the structure is:
| Fee component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic fee (black and white mark) | 653 CHF | 903 CHF if the mark is in color. |
| Complementary fee per designated country | 100 CHF | Applies where the country uses standard fees. |
| Supplementary fee per class beyond three | 100 CHF | Charged for each class over three in a designation. |
| Individual fee | Set by each member | Some members (including the US) charge their own fee instead of the standard fees. |
When you designate the United States through Madrid (Section 66(a)), the USPTO charges its own individual fee of $600 per class on top of the WIPO fees. Madrid reduces filings and translations, but it does not remove the US per-class charge.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a discount for filing in multiple classes?
No. Each class carries a full $350 base fee, so costs scale linearly with the number of classes. The only savings come from avoiding surcharges, not from volume.
What does a Madrid Protocol filing cost?
You pay WIPO's international fees — a 653 CHF basic fee (903 CHF in color), plus 100 CHF per designated country and per class beyond three — and any individual fees the designated members charge. The US individual fee is $600 per class.
Do I still pay USPTO fees if I use Madrid?
If you are filing from the US, the USPTO certifies your base application or registration to WIPO and charges its standard per-class fees. If you designate the US from abroad, the USPTO charges a $600-per-class individual fee.
More in Fees & Deadlines
Total Cost Estimator
Full lifecycle cost including maintenance filings, not just the filing fee.
Application Timeline
Typical stage-by-stage duration from filing to registration.
Maintenance & Renewal Calendar
Section 8/15 and renewal deadline tracker.
Fee Reductions & Payment Methods
Trademarks have no small-entity discount; save by using the ID Manual, and pay by card, EFT, or deposit account.