How much does a trade mark application cost in Australia?
An Australian trade mark application costs $400 per class (IP Australia TM Headstart assessed $330 per class) for 2025-26, plus $800-$2,500 in attorney fees per application. Total cost for a single-class Australian trade mark: $1,200-$3,000. Multi-class applications compound the filing fee. International Madrid Protocol applications start at around $3,500 all-in for a single foreign country.
IP Australia filing fees
Standard trade mark application: $400 per class (2025-26). TM Headstart (pre-examined): $330 per class for assessment plus $200 per class to file. Series applications (up to 3 marks): single fee. Renewal every 10 years: $400 per class. Fees are set under the Trade Marks Regulations 1995 (Cth).
Attorney fees
Registered trade mark attorneys typically charge $800-$2,500 per application depending on classes, searches, and advice required. A knock-out search alone is $300-$600. A full clearance and filing package: $1,500-$3,500. Responding to IP Australia examiner objections: $1,000-$5,000. Opposition proceedings: $15,000-$80,000+.
International protection
Madrid Protocol applications through IP Australia: $300 base fee plus WIPO fees (around 650 Swiss Francs) plus country fees per designated country. A single-country foreign trade mark (e.g., US) registered via Madrid: typically $3,500-$6,500 all-in. Direct national filings are more expensive.
How I help IP lawyers
I draft trade mark specifications, run knock-out searches on ATMOSS, prepare examination responses, and draft opposition pleadings under the Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth). For IP boutiques this lets you offer flat-fee trade mark services at competitive prices.
Common issues
- Classifying goods and services incorrectly leads to rejections — specification drafting matters
- TM Headstart is useful for early feedback but adds cost if you proceed to file
- Trade marks are territorial — an Australian registration does not protect you overseas
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