How much does it cost to register a trade mark in Australia?

The cost to register a trade mark in Australia depends on how you file and how many classes of goods or services you include. If you're wondering how much a trademark costs in Australia, the short answer is that you'll always pay IP Australia's government filing fees, and you may also pay a service fee if you want professional help.

This article breaks down exactly what you'll pay, what affects the price, and when it makes sense to get help.

Ready to file? Start your Australian trade mark application online with our fixed-fee service.

The short answer:

• DIY, one class (standard application via IP Australia): $250
• TM Headstart, one class (Part 1 + Part 2): $330
• Markster fixed-fee service, one class (including government fees): $798.90 total (plus GST on the service fee)

Quick cost summary

Filing method	First class	Each additional class
IP Australia direct (standard, picklist)	$250	$250
IP Australia direct (standard, manual description)	$400	$400
TM Headstart (Part 1 + Part 2)	$330	$330
Markster fixed-fee service	$499 + GST + $250 govt fee	$399 + GST + $250 govt fee

All IP Australia government fees are GST-free. Markster's service fee attracts GST (e.g. first class total: $499 + $49.90 GST + $250 = $798.90). See the detailed pricing breakdown below.

What affects the cost of a trade mark application?

Several factors determine what you'll pay overall.

Number of classes

Trade marks are registered against specific classes of goods and services. Australia uses the Nice Classification system, which has 45 classes. Most small businesses need one or two classes, but some need more depending on the range of products and services they offer.

Every additional class increases the cost, because both IP Australia fees and professional service fees (if applicable) are charged per class. Read our guide on how to choose the right goods and services for your application.

Standard filing vs TM Headstart

IP Australia offers two main application types. A standard application is cheaper overall. A TM Headstart application includes a preliminary examination before you commit to the full filing fee, which can help you cut losses if the application is unlikely to succeed.

Most applications are filed as standard applications.

Word mark vs logo

Filing a word mark or a logo mark costs the same per class. However, if you want to protect both your business name and your logo separately, you'll need two applications, which doubles the cost. See our article on whether to register your logo, name, or both.

DIY vs professional help

If you file directly with IP Australia, you only pay government fees. If you use a lawyer, agent, or online filing service, you'll also pay a service fee. However, professional help can reduce your risk of costly issues later, such as examination reports, incorrect class selections, or poorly drafted goods and services descriptions.

Our article on whether to use a trade mark lawyer covers this in detail.

Post-filing issues

If your application receives an examination report or is opposed by a third party, resolving those issues can add to the total cost. The right preparation upfront can significantly reduce this risk.

Trade mark registration fees in Australia

IP Australia charges government fees when you file a trade mark application. These fees are GST-free and are set out on the IP Australia fee schedule. The amount depends on the type of application and the number of classes.

Standard application

Description	Fee per class
Using the pick list	$250
Manually entered goods and services	$400

Using the pick list is cheaper and also reduces the risk of issues with your goods and services description. The pick list guarantees that your terms will be accepted and classified correctly.

It may be necessary to enter goods and services manually if your products or services don't appear on the pick list, or if you need very specific terms. This isn't usually required unless you have an agreement in place with another party, or you've run into issues with a previous application.

TM Headstart application

Description	Fee per class
Part 1 fee	$200
Part 2 fee (to convert to standard application)	$130

The total TM Headstart cost is $330 per class if you proceed to Part 2. If the preliminary examination indicates your application is unlikely to succeed, you can walk away after paying only the $200 Part 1 fee.

Series trade mark application

Description	Fee per class
Using the pick list	$400
Manually entered goods and services	$550

Series trade marks are uncommon and are often filed incorrectly. Most applicants don't need one.

These fees are current as of March 2026. Check the IP Australia fee schedule for the latest rates.

How much does it cost to trade mark a name in Australia?

If you want to trade mark a business name or brand name, you'll typically file a word mark. The cost depends on how many classes you need and whether you get help filing.

For a single-class word mark filed directly with IP Australia using the pick list, the cost is $250.

If you use Markster's fixed-fee filing service for a single-class word mark, the total is $798.90 including GST on the service fee (that's $499 + GST service fee, plus $250 government fee).

A few things to keep in mind:

• A business name registration with ASIC is not the same as a trade mark. Registering your business name does not give you trade mark rights.
• If you want to protect both a name and a logo, you'll generally need two separate applications. This doubles the filing cost.
• One class is enough for many businesses, but if your business spans multiple categories (for example, selling products and providing services), you may need additional classes.

TM Headstart vs standard filing cost

TM Headstart is IP Australia's two-part application process. Part 1 costs $200 per class and gives you a preliminary examination. If the result is favourable, you pay a Part 2 fee of $130 per class to convert it into a standard application. If not, you can stop after Part 1.

When TM Headstart may be useful:

• You're unsure whether your mark will be accepted
• You want to test the waters before committing to a full application
• You're concerned about a potential conflict with an existing mark

Why most businesses use standard filing:

• It's cheaper overall ($250 vs $330 per class)
• The preliminary examination in TM Headstart is not a guarantee of acceptance
• If your application is well-prepared, the additional cost of a headstart usually isn't justified

For most straightforward applications, a standard filing is the better value option.

What if you want help filing?

If you'd rather not navigate IP Australia's system yourself, a filing service or trade mark lawyer can handle the application for you. You can learn more about our trade mark application services or go straight to filing online.

Our fixed-fee filing service includes:

• AI-powered goods and services drafting tailored to your business
• Automated trade mark clearance assessment before filing
• Filing as a single multi-class application (not separate applications per class)
• Application tracking through to registration
• Free lawyer review of any examination report your application receives

Markster pricing

	Fee
Service fee (first class)	$499 + GST
Service fee (each additional class)	$399 + GST
IP Australia government fee	$250 per class (GST-free)

Government fees are included in the total you pay at checkout. There are no hidden fees, no registration fees, and no success fees.

Single-class example: $499 + $49.90 GST + $250 government fee = $798.90 total

For a detailed comparison of filing options, including how we compare to filing directly with IP Australia and other online services, see our comparison of trade mark filing options in Australia.

Start your application online or contact us if you'd like to discuss your options first.

Example cost scenarios

Here are some common scenarios to give you a realistic picture of what trade mark registration costs:

Scenario	IP Australia fees	Service fee	Total
One-class word mark, DIY	$250	—	$250
One-class word mark, Markster	$250	$499 + GST	$798.90
Two-class word mark, DIY	$500	—	$500
Two-class word mark, Markster	$500	$898 + GST	$1,487.80
Separate word mark + logo (one class each), DIY	$500	—	$500
Separate word mark + logo (one class each), Markster	$500	$998 + GST	$1,597.80

What costs are not included in the filing fee?

Whether you file yourself or use a service, these costs are separate from the initial application:

• Examination report responses — if IP Australia raises objections, professional help to respond is an additional cost (Markster provides a free review, with a fixed-fee quote if you'd like us to handle the response)
• Opposition proceedings — if a third party opposes your application, defending it involves separate legal costs
• International filings — protecting your mark overseas requires separate applications in each country or region. Use our international filing fee calculator for estimates
• Renewal fees — $400 per class, payable every 10 years from the filing date
• Separate filings for name and logo — if you want to protect both, each is a separate application with its own fees

Is the cheapest filing option always the best?

Not necessarily. The cheapest way to file is directly with IP Australia for $250 per class. For people who understand the trade mark system, this works well.

But the upfront filing fee is only part of the total cost. Mistakes in your goods and services description, choosing the wrong class, or missing a conflicting mark on the register can all lead to examination reports, failed applications, or a registered mark that doesn't actually protect your business.

A well-prepared application filed with professional help may cost more upfront, but it can save you money in the long run by avoiding these issues. For commercially important brands, the additional cost of expert help is usually worth it.

Summary

The cost to register a trade mark in Australia starts from $250 per class if you file directly with IP Australia. If you want professional help, our fixed-fee service starts from $798.90 total for a single-class application (including government fees, plus GST on the service fee).

The right option depends on your confidence with the system, the complexity of your mark, and how important the brand is to your business.

File your trade mark online — start your application with our guided process and fixed fees.

Want advice first? — contact us and we'll help you work out the best approach.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a trade mark cost in Australia?

The minimum cost is $250 per class, which is IP Australia's government fee for a standard application using the pick list. If you use a professional filing service, total costs start from around $799 for a single-class application including government fees.

How much does it cost to trade mark a business name?

Trade marking a business name involves filing a word mark application. The cost is $250 per class if you file yourself, or from $799 total (including government fees) if you use Markster's fixed-fee service.

Do trade mark fees depend on the number of classes?

Yes. Both IP Australia's government fees and professional service fees are charged per class. More classes means higher costs. Most small businesses need one or two classes.

Is TM Headstart more expensive than a standard application?

Yes. A TM Headstart application costs $330 per class in total (if you proceed to Part 2), compared to $250 per class for a standard application. The benefit is that you get a preliminary examination before committing to the full fee.

Do I need a lawyer to file a trade mark?

No. You can file directly with IP Australia without a lawyer. However, a lawyer or professional filing service can help you avoid common mistakes that lead to examination reports or inadequate protection. Read our article on whether you need a trade mark lawyer for a detailed look at the pros and cons.

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For a complete guide to the Australian trade mark registration process, see our trade mark registration guide.

Please note, the information in this article is general in nature and is not legal advice. You should seek independent legal advice tailored to you and your circumstances.