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Trademark registration for an LLC protects your brand name or logo at the USPTO. This page explains the basics, what foreign applicants should know, and where FenFile fits in.
The LLC applies to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a name, logo or slogan used for specific goods or services. An examining attorney reviews it, and a published mark may be opposed. Foreign-domiciled applicants generally need a US-licensed attorney. FenFile offers a trademark search add-on, not legal filing.
Verified figures only — sources are listed at the foot of this page.
United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
The LLC, if it owns the brand
Generally need a US-licensed attorney (confirm at uspto.gov)
Trademark search add-on; not legal filing
October 2026
A trademark is a name, logo or slogan that identifies your goods or services and separates them from others. You can gain some rights in the US by using a mark in commerce, but a federal registration gives a clearer public record and stronger tools if someone copies you.
Registration also supports platform programs. Marketplaces such as Amazon may ask for a registered or pending trademark before they give you brand-owner tools. Program rules change, so read the current terms.
If the LLC runs the brand, the LLC should usually be the applicant. Filing in your personal name while the company uses the mark can create ownership problems later. An attorney can advise on your situation.
Form the LLC first, then choose your brand name, search it and apply in the company’s name. This also keeps your operating agreement, domain and brand under one owner.
In broad terms, you file an application describing the mark and the goods or services, with a fee that depends on the application type. Check the USPTO site for current fees and classes. An examining attorney reviews the application and may issue an office action with questions or objections.
If the examiner approves, the mark is published so others can oppose it. If no successful opposition arises and filing requirements are met, registration can follow. Timelines vary, and there are later maintenance filings to keep the registration alive.
Generally, yes. The USPTO has rules that require applicants domiciled outside the US to be represented by a US-licensed attorney for trademark filings. Rules can change, so confirm at uspto.gov.
Often yes, but you do so at some risk if someone else holds earlier rights. A search before launch lowers that risk.
A search looks for marks that are identical or similar to yours in related fields. It covers federal records and can include common-law uses, domains and social handles. A clear result does not guarantee registration, and a conflict does not always mean refusal, because the USPTO looks at likelihood of confusion.
FenFile offers a trademark search add-on to help you spot obvious conflicts before you spend on branding or an application. It is a research step. It is not legal advice and we do not file with the USPTO.
A sensible order is to form your LLC, pick the brand, run a search, build the identity and website, then speak to an attorney about filing. FenFile’s Complete plan includes brand identity and a business website, so you can lock in a name and look before you file.
Choose names that are distinctive rather than purely descriptive. Distinctive marks are generally easier to protect, though only the USPTO and your attorney can judge your case.
Keep these ready and our team will guide you through the rest.
From first message to done — with updates at every stage.
Set up the company that will own the brand.
Use our add-on to check for similar names before you commit.
A licensed attorney advises on classes, filing and foreign-applicant rules.
Use the brand consistently and track USPTO deadlines through your attorney.
Pick a plan, pay once, and let our team handle the rest.
Solo founders launching their first US company
one-time + state filing fee
Founders who need to get paid and bank in the US
one-time + state filing fee
Full launch with brand, website and support
one-time + state filing fee
Talk to a FenFile advisor — we’ll point you to the right one.
Can’t find your answer? Our team replies on WhatsApp and email.
Yes, in general, but foreign-domiciled applicants usually need a US-licensed attorney for USPTO filings. Confirm the current rule at uspto.gov. An LLC can be the applicant if it owns the brand.
No. FenFile offers a trademark search add-on to help you check for conflicts. For filing, speak to a qualified US-licensed trademark attorney. We are a business-services company, not a law firm.
It varies. The process includes examination, possible office actions, publication and maintenance. The USPTO publishes current processing information, so check its site rather than relying on a fixed number.
Not by itself. Forming an LLC reserves the name only in the state filing records. Trademark protection is separate and relates to how you use the brand for goods or services.
Amazon’s program generally asks for a registered or pending trademark in a supported office, but rules change. Read Amazon’s current terms before you plan.
Many owners start with the name, sometimes both. A name in standard characters covers it in any style, while a logo covers a specific design. Ask your attorney which suits your goals.
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Written by the FenFile team · Last reviewed October 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.
Sources: USPTO trademarks · USPTO trademark basics
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