Securing a trademark is an essential step for any business owner who wants to protect their intellectual property. A trademark helps ensure that no one else can use your brand name, logo, or slogan, safeguarding your business’s identity.
However, the trademark registration process can be complex and time-consuming, particularly for small business owners or first-time entrepreneurs.
To address this, services like Trademark Engine and LegalZoom have emerged to simplify the trademark registration process and provide businesses with a more accessible and affordable alternative to hiring a lawyer.
While both Trademark Engine and LegalZoom offer trademark services, each has its unique offerings, advantages, and limitations.
In this detailed comparison, we will explore both platforms, examining their features, pricing, customer support, ease of use, and more, to determine why Trademark Engine is the better choice for many businesses.
What is Trademark Engine?
Overview of Trademark Engine
Trademark Engine is an online trademark registration service designed to help individuals and businesses register their trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Established in 2006, Trademark Engine focuses primarily on providing simple, affordable, and accessible trademark services. The platform is user-friendly and designed to guide users through the trademark application process from start to finish.
Key Features of Trademark Engine
- Affordable Pricing: Trademark Engine is known for offering one of the most affordable trademark registration services available. Their basic trademark registration package starts at just $89, excluding government fees, making it a great option for small businesses or entrepreneurs on a budget.
- User-Friendly Interface: Trademark Engine’s website is straightforward and easy to navigate, even for those who may not have any prior experience with the trademark registration process. The platform walks users through the steps of filing an application, making it accessible to beginners.
- Trademark Search Tool: Trademark Engine provides a basic trademark search feature that allows users to check the USPTO database for any conflicting trademarks before proceeding with their application.
- Educational Resources: The platform offers a range of educational resources, including blog articles, FAQs, and a help center, to help users understand the trademark process and make informed decisions.
What is LegalZoom?
Overview of LegalZoom
LegalZoom is a well-established online legal services company that provides a wide range of services, from business formation to estate planning and intellectual property protection.
Founded in 2001, LegalZoom has become one of the most recognized brands in the online legal services space. While it offers a broad spectrum of legal services, trademark registration is one of its key offerings.
LegalZoom caters to both small businesses and individuals who need affordable legal services without hiring a traditional attorney.
Key Features of LegalZoom
- Comprehensive Legal Services: LegalZoom offers a wide variety of legal services, including trademark registration, business formation, estate planning, and more. While this diversity makes LegalZoom a good choice for businesses needing multiple legal services, it also means that its trademark service is just one part of a much broader offering.
- Attorney Consultations: One of LegalZoom’s main selling points is the ability to access professional legal advice. While the basic trademark registration package does not include attorney assistance, higher-tier packages offer consultations with licensed attorneys for additional guidance.
- Premium Packages: LegalZoom offers multiple service packages, ranging from basic trademark filings to premium options that include expedited processing, attorney consultations, and more in-depth support.
- Reputation and Trustworthiness: With over two decades of experience, LegalZoom has built a strong reputation as a trusted provider of legal services, making it a more recognizable option in the marketplace.
Pricing Comparison: Trademark Engine vs. LegalZoom
Trademark Engine Pricing
When it comes to pricing, Trademark Engine is widely considered one of the most affordable trademark registration services available. Their pricing is transparent and easy to understand, with no hidden fees. The breakdown is as follows:
- Basic Trademark Registration Package: Starting at just $89 (excluding government filing fees), this package includes a trademark search and the preparation and filing of your trademark application with the USPTO.
- Additional Services: Trademark Engine offers additional services, such as trademark monitoring and name change services, at an extra cost, but these are optional and not necessary for the basic trademark registration process.
- Government Fees: The USPTO charges government filing fees, which are separate from Trademark Engine’s fees. These fees typically range from $250 to $350, depending on the type of application (e.g., TEAS Plus or TEAS Standard).
LegalZoom Pricing
LegalZoom uses a tiered pricing model, offering several different trademark packages at different price points. The breakdown of LegalZoom’s pricing is as follows:
- Basic Trademark Registration Package: Starting at $249 (excluding government fees), this package includes the trademark search and application preparation but does not include attorney assistance or expedited processing.
- Premium Packages: LegalZoom also offers premium trademark registration packages that range from $349 to $499. These packages include added benefits such as attorney consultations, expedited processing, and additional legal support.
- Government Fees: Like Trademark Engine, LegalZoom charges the standard USPTO government filing fees, typically ranging from $250 to $350.
Verdict: Which Service is More Affordable?
Trademark Engine is the clear winner when it comes to affordability. Its pricing is significantly lower than LegalZoom’s, making it the better option for small businesses and individuals who need a straightforward trademark registration service without the added cost of legal consultations or premium features.
Ease of Use: Which Platform is More User-Friendly?
Trademark Engine User Experience
Trademark Engine prides itself on being easy to use, especially for first-time trademark applicants. The platform is designed to simplify the trademark registration process, with an intuitive interface that guides users through each step.
Once you land on the website, you’re prompted to start the process by entering your trademark details and running a quick trademark search. The application process is straightforward, with clear instructions that help you complete the forms. The entire process can be completed in a matter of minutes.
LegalZoom User Experience
LegalZoom offers a professional and polished platform, but because it provides a broader range of services, it can feel more cluttered. While LegalZoom’s trademark registration process is not overly complicated, navigating through its various service options can be more challenging, especially for those who only need a trademark and don’t require other legal services.
LegalZoom’s interface is clean, but it can be overwhelming for users who only need to file a trademark. The platform provides helpful guidance, but it’s not as streamlined as Trademark Engine.
Verdict: Which Service is More User-Friendly?
For a simple and straightforward trademark registration process, Trademark Engine is the better choice. Its interface is intuitive and streamlined, which makes it easier for users, especially those who are unfamiliar with the trademark process. LegalZoom, while still user-friendly, can be overwhelming due to its broader scope of services.
Customer Support: How Well Do the Services Support Users?
Trademark Engine Customer Support
Trademark Engine offers reliable customer support through both email and phone. The support team is responsive and knowledgeable, ready to assist with general inquiries about the trademark process. While Trademark Engine does not offer legal consultations, their customer service team is adept at answering questions related to the trademark registration process.
LegalZoom Customer Support
LegalZoom offers more comprehensive customer support, including access to licensed attorneys in their higher-tier packages. This feature is particularly valuable for businesses that need expert legal advice or assistance during the trademark registration process.
LegalZoom’s customer support is available by phone, email, and live chat, and users can also access a vast knowledge base with helpful articles and guides.
Verdict: Which Service Offers Better Support?
If you require expert legal advice or more hands-on support, LegalZoom provides more robust customer service options, especially in its premium packages. However, for basic trademark registration needs, Trademark Engine offers adequate customer support at a lower cost.
Trademark Search: How Thorough Are the Search Tools?
Trademark Engine Search Tool
Trademark Engine offers a basic trademark search tool that scans the USPTO database for similar trademarks. While it’s not as exhaustive as a professional search conducted by an attorney, it’s sufficient for most small business owners and first-time applicants. The search tool is quick, easy to use, and free of charge.
LegalZoom Trademark Search
LegalZoom also offers a trademark search tool, but it is more comprehensive than Trademark Engine’s. LegalZoom’s search results are reviewed by legal professionals who provide a more thorough analysis of potential conflicts. However, this service is only available in the higher-priced packages.
Verdict: Which Search Tool is Better?
For most small businesses and individuals, Trademark Engine’s trademark search tool is sufficient for checking availability and identifying potential conflicts. LegalZoom offers a more in-depth search, but it comes at a higher cost and may not be necessary for basic trademark registration needs.
Turnaround Time: Which Service Processes Trademarks Faster?
Trademark Engine Turnaround Time
Trademark Engine generally processes applications quickly. Once you’ve completed your trademark application, it typically takes 1-2 business days for Trademark Engine to file the application with the USPTO. However, the USPTO itself takes several months to process and approve the application.
LegalZoom Turnaround Time
LegalZoom has a similar processing time but offers an expedited filing option for an additional fee. Expedited filing can speed up the process significantly, reducing the waiting time for approval.
Verdict: Which Service is Faster?
For standard trademark registration, Trademark Engine is slightly faster in terms of processing time. However, LegalZoom offers expedited filing, which may be necessary for businesses that require faster results.
Conclusion: Why Trademark Engine Wins
After thoroughly comparing both Trademark Engine and LegalZoom, it’s clear that Trademark Engine offers the best value for businesses looking to register a trademark quickly and affordably.
Trademark Engine provides a user-friendly, cost-effective, and efficient solution for trademark registration, making it the ideal choice for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals looking to protect their brand without spending a fortune on legal fees.
While LegalZoom offers a more comprehensive range of legal services, it is not as cost-effective or straightforward as Trademark Engine for simple trademark registration.
Trademark Engine’s affordability, simplicity, and specialized focus on trademark registration make it the superior choice for businesses looking to secure their intellectual property without unnecessary complexity or expense.
By choosing Trademark Engine, business owners can rest assured that their trademark registration process will be simple, affordable, and handled with care, allowing them to focus on growing their business.
FAQ’s
Is there a free trial or demo for either service?
Neither Trademark Engine nor LegalZoom offers a free trial, but both provide detailed information before purchase.
Which service provides better customer support?
LegalZoom offers more comprehensive customer support, including access to attorneys, while Trademark Engine provides standard customer service.
Does Trademark Engine offer a refund if my trademark application is rejected?
Trademark Engine does not provide refunds if your trademark is rejected, as it only assists with filing.
Does LegalZoom offer a refund if my trademark application is rejected?
LegalZoom also does not offer refunds if the trademark application is rejected, but they offer assistance with the process.
Which service is better if I need ongoing legal services beyond trademark registration?
LegalZoom is better for ongoing legal services, as it offers a wide variety of legal options beyond trademarks.