When it comes to protecting your business and brand, trademark registration is a crucial step. Securing a trademark ensures that your business name, logo, and other unique elements are protected from infringement by competitors.
But registering a trademark can be a complex and often costly process, especially for small businesses or solo entrepreneurs. Fortunately, services like Trademark Engine and LegalZoom have made it easier to navigate this legal terrain without hiring a traditional attorney.
However, not all trademark registration services are created equal, and it’s important to carefully consider which service fits your needs.
In this comparison, we’ll delve into Trademark Engine and LegalZoom, two of the most popular options available for trademark registration. We’ll explore their pricing, features, ease of use, customer service, and other factors to determine why Trademark Engine stands out as the better choice for most users.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand why Trademark Engine is the smarter, more affordable, and user-friendly option for trademark registration.
What is Trademark Engine?
Trademark Engine is an online platform designed to simplify the trademark registration process. Established in 2006, Trademark Engine provides affordable services to individuals and small businesses seeking to protect their intellectual property.
Its main goal is to help users navigate the complexities of trademark registration without requiring expensive legal fees or deep knowledge of intellectual property law.
Trademark Engine’s service offerings include trademark search, trademark registration, and filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
The platform focuses on making trademark protection accessible for everyone, including entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners who might not otherwise be able to afford a full-service trademark lawyer.
Key Features of Trademark Engine:
- Affordable Pricing: Trademark Engine provides an affordable pricing structure, making trademark registration accessible to a wider range of users.
- User-Friendly Interface: The platform is easy to use, with a straightforward step-by-step process that guides users through trademark registration.
- Educational Resources: Trademark Engine offers educational materials to help users understand the trademark process and make informed decisions.
- Comprehensive Services: Trademark Engine offers a variety of trademark services, including trademark searches, application filing, and legal assistance if needed.
What is LegalZoom?
LegalZoom is a more well-known and broad legal services platform that offers a wide variety of services, including trademark registration, business formation, wills and trusts, and other legal documentation.
Founded in 2001, LegalZoom has built a reputation as a go-to platform for individuals and small businesses in need of legal help without the high fees typically associated with law firms.
Unlike Trademark Engine, LegalZoom is a one-stop-shop for all types of legal services, making it an attractive option for those who need ongoing legal support beyond trademark registration.
In addition to offering trademark registration, LegalZoom provides access to attorneys who can offer guidance on legal matters related to intellectual property.
Key Features of LegalZoom:
- Comprehensive Legal Services: LegalZoom offers a wide variety of legal services, including business formation, estate planning, trademark registration, and more.
- Access to Attorneys: LegalZoom allows users to consult with licensed attorneys for a more personalized service.
- Reputation: LegalZoom has an established reputation in the legal services industry, known for its reliability and trustworthiness.
- Premium Packages: LegalZoom offers several premium packages, which include expedited services and access to legal professionals for advice throughout the trademark process.
Trademark Engine vs. LegalZoom: Pricing Comparison
When it comes to trademark registration, pricing is often one of the most significant factors in deciding which service to use. Both Trademark Engine and LegalZoom provide trademark filing services, but they differ greatly in terms of cost.
Trademark Engine Pricing
Trademark Engine is widely regarded as one of the most affordable trademark registration services available. Their basic trademark registration package starts at $89 (excluding government filing fees). This fee covers the basic trademark search and application filing, which includes everything you need to get started with the trademark process.
Trademark Engine’s pricing is straightforward and transparent, with no hidden fees. Additionally, users can choose to pay for additional services such as expedited filing or legal consultations, but the base price remains affordable for most small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Breakdown of Trademark Engine’s Costs:
- Basic Trademark Registration: $89
- Government Filing Fees (separate from Trademark Engine): $250
- Additional Services (optional): Varies based on selection
LegalZoom Pricing
LegalZoom’s pricing structure is more complex, with multiple tiers of service that offer varying levels of support. The most basic trademark registration package on LegalZoom starts at $249, which is significantly higher than Trademark Engine’s base package. This package includes the filing of a trademark application with the USPTO, but the cost does not include additional services such as legal consultations or expedited processing.
LegalZoom also offers higher-tier packages that can cost up to $499 or more. These premium packages provide additional benefits, including faster processing times, access to legal consultations, and comprehensive trademark searches that are reviewed by professionals. While these packages may be useful for some businesses, the additional costs can be prohibitive for smaller enterprises.
Breakdown of LegalZoom’s Costs:
- Basic Trademark Registration: $249
- Government Filing Fees (separate from LegalZoom): $250
- Premium Trademark Packages: $499+
Verdict on Pricing:
When it comes to affordability, Trademark Engine clearly has the advantage. The cost of trademark registration with Trademark Engine is significantly lower than with LegalZoom, making it an ideal choice for small businesses or entrepreneurs who are looking for an affordable and straightforward way to protect their intellectual property.
Trademark Engine vs. LegalZoom: Ease of Use
Trademark registration can be an intimidating process, particularly for those who are unfamiliar with intellectual property law. That’s why ease of use is a critical factor in choosing the right service. Let’s compare the user experience of both platforms.
Trademark Engine’s User Interface
Trademark Engine’s website is simple, clean, and easy to navigate. The registration process is broken down into clear, step-by-step instructions, which is perfect for users who are new to trademark registration. From start to finish, Trademark Engine walks users through each phase of the trademark process, from conducting a search to submitting an application.
The platform also offers helpful tips and explanations throughout the process, making it easier for users to understand what each step entails and why it’s important. This level of transparency ensures that even first-time users can confidently complete their trademark registration.
LegalZoom’s User Interface
While LegalZoom’s platform is professional and comprehensive, it can be a bit overwhelming for users who only need a trademark registration. LegalZoom offers a broad range of legal services, so the process for filing a trademark can get a little lost in the mix. Users must select the appropriate package, and there are more options and upsells available, which can be confusing for those who just need to file a trademark.
Additionally, LegalZoom does not offer as much hand-holding during the trademark process as Trademark Engine. While the platform is well-organized, users may find themselves navigating through multiple service categories to find the right options.
Verdict on Ease of Use:
Trademark Engine wins for ease of use. The website is clean, simple, and focused solely on trademark registration, making it far more intuitive for first-time applicants. LegalZoom, while comprehensive, is better suited for those who require a broader range of legal services.
Trademark Engine vs. LegalZoom: Customer Support
When issues arise during the trademark registration process, having access to responsive customer support can make all the difference. Let’s take a look at how each service handles customer support.
Trademark Engine Customer Support
Trademark Engine offers customer support via phone and email. The support team is generally responsive and can assist with common trademark registration issues, such as application questions and the trademark search process. However, it’s important to note that Trademark Engine’s customer support does not extend to providing legal advice. If you need legal guidance, you’ll have to pay for additional services.
LegalZoom Customer Support
LegalZoom offers more comprehensive customer support, including the option to consult with licensed attorneys. For users who purchase the premium trademark packages, they have access to legal professionals who can offer personalized advice and help resolve any issues that arise during the trademark registration process. While this can be beneficial for businesses needing more tailored assistance, it’s worth noting that LegalZoom’s higher-tier packages can become quite expensive.
Verdict on Customer Support:
If you need more personalized legal advice, LegalZoom may be the better choice due to its access to licensed attorneys. However, for basic customer support, Trademark Engine provides sufficient assistance at a more affordable price.
Trademark Engine vs. LegalZoom: Trademark Search Tools
Before submitting a trademark application, it’s important to conduct a search to ensure that no one else is already using the trademark you want to register. Both Trademark Engine and LegalZoom offer trademark search tools, but how do they compare?
Trademark Engine Search Tool
Trademark Engine provides a simple and effective trademark search tool. It checks the USPTO database for similar trademarks and provides results quickly. While this search tool is sufficient for most small businesses, it’s important to remember that it is not as thorough as a professional trademark attorney’s search. Nonetheless, for most entrepreneurs and startups, Trademark Engine’s search tool is more than adequate.
LegalZoom Search Tool
LegalZoom’s trademark search tool is part of its higher-tier packages. The tool checks the USPTO database and reviews the results with LegalZoom’s professional team. This service is more thorough than Trademark Engine’s tool and can help identify potential legal issues before submitting your application. However, this comes at a higher price.
Verdict on Trademark Search:
For most businesses, Trademark Engine’s trademark search is sufficient. However, if you want a more thorough review of your search results, LegalZoom offers more comprehensive searches, though at a higher price point.
Conclusion: Why Trademark Engine Wins
After analyzing the key factors that matter most when choosing a trademark registration service — including pricing, ease of use, customer support, and the trademark search process — it’s clear that Trademark Engine is the better choice for most small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The primary reason why Trademark Engine stands out is its affordability. While LegalZoom offers a broader range of legal services, its trademark registration costs are much higher, making it less accessible for small businesses. Trademark Engine delivers an intuitive, cost-effective solution that simplifies the trademark process without overwhelming users with unnecessary extras.
For small business owners who need a straightforward and affordable way to register a trademark, Trademark Engine provides the best value without compromising on the quality of service.
This detailed analysis should help you make an informed decision about which service is right for your trademark registration needs. While LegalZoom may be better suited for those requiring ongoing legal assistance, Trademark Engine offers an affordable, user-friendly, and effective option for most entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to protect their brand.
FAQ’s
How long does it take Trademark Engine to process my trademark application?
Trademark Engine typically processes applications within 1-2 business days.
How long does it take LegalZoom to process my trademark application?
LegalZoom also processes applications quickly, but expedited services can speed up the process.
Which service is better for small businesses?
Trademark Engine is better for small businesses due to its lower cost and specialized focus on trademark registration.
Can I track my trademark application with Trademark Engine?
Yes, Trademark Engine offers tracking options for your trademark application status.
Can I track my trademark application with LegalZoom?
Yes, LegalZoom also allows you to track your trademark application status.