Your Brand Name Is Your Business. Protect It Like One.
Flat-fee trademark protection for creators, founders, and agencies — no hourly rates, no surprise invoices, no legal jargon.
Most creators and founders wait too long.
By the time someone else files your brand name, it's too late. Trademark disputes are expensive, stressful, and almost always avoidable. The businesses that protect their brands early aren't bigger than you — they just moved first.
At Ascent Legal, we specialize in entertainment, IP, and brand protection for the creators, agencies, and founders building the next generation of businesses. We know your world — brand deals, content licensing, production agreements, and the pressure of moving fast.
We make trademark protection simple, affordable, and done.
The Ascent Method™
Three steps. Zero confusion. One protected brand.
Know Before You File
We run a comprehensive federal trademark search — USPTO database plus common law sources — and deliver a plain-English clearance opinion. You'll know exactly whether your mark is protectable and what risks exist before spending a dollar on filing.
We Handle Everything
We prepare and file your application with the USPTO, craft the strongest possible description of goods and services, and manage every stage of the process — including Office Actions. You don't touch the paperwork.
Ongoing Protection
Registration is just the beginning. We monitor your mark, alert you to conflicts, handle USPTO maintenance deadlines, and keep your trademark alive and enforced. Your brand stays protected long after filing day.
We stand behind our work.
If we file your trademark application and the USPTO issues a rejection we cannot overcome — we'll file your next application at no additional attorney fee. One class, on us.
We've built our practice around getting it right the first time. Our search process is thorough, our applications are crafted carefully, and we don't cut corners. This guarantee exists because we're confident in our work — and because you deserve that confidence too.
Simple, flat-fee pricing.
You'll know exactly what you're paying before we start — every time.
Trademark Search & Strategy
Start here if you're not sure yet.
Before you file, know what you're walking into. We dig deep into the USPTO database and common law sources, then tell you exactly where you stand — in plain English.
- Comprehensive federal + common law trademark search
- Likelihood of confusion analysis
- Written clearance opinion (plain English)
- Filing recommendation (class strategy, word mark vs. design mark)
- 30-minute strategy call to review findings
Filing fees not included. Standalone advisory service.
Trademark Filing — Single Class
The most common filing for creators and small businesses.
One brand. One category. Fully handled from search to registration.
- Trademark clearance search
- Full application preparation and USPTO filing
- Class and goods/services description strategy
- Response to non-substantive Office Actions
- Updates at every stage
- Estimated timeline: 12–18 months
USPTO filing fee: $350/class — billed separately, paid directly to USPTO.
Trademark Filing — Multi-Class
For brands operating across multiple industries.
Creators expanding into merch + content + coaching. Companies selling in multiple verticals. One application, maximum protection.
- Everything in Single Class, plus:
- Up to 3 trademark classes in one application
- Multi-class strategy consultation
- Coordinated filing to maximize brand coverage
USPTO filing fee: $350/class — billed separately.
Monitoring & Maintenance
Protect what you've built.
Your trademark needs attention after registration — maintenance filings, renewal deadlines, and watching for copycats. We handle all of it.
- Monthly monitoring for conflicting new applications
- Conflict alerts with recommended action
- USPTO maintenance filing management (Sections 8 & 15, renewals)
- Annual IP strategy call
USPTO maintenance fees billed separately when due (Year 5–6: $575/class; Year 10 renewal: $650/class; +$100/class grace period surcharge).
Office Action Response
The USPTO pushed back. We push back harder.If your application receives a substantive rejection, we draft and file a persuasive response on your behalf.
- Simple/procedural response: $750
- Complex response (likelihood of confusion, descriptiveness): $1,500
- Included free for Growth and Scale retainer clients
What to expect — the full trademark timeline.
Note: Timelines vary based on USPTO workload and any Office Actions issued. We keep you updated at every stage.
Common questions, straight answers.
How long does a trademark take?
Currently 12–18 months from filing to registration with the USPTO. The process has multiple stages — we walk you through each one and send updates throughout.
What's the difference between ™ and ®?
You can use ™ as soon as you claim rights in a mark — no registration required. The ® symbol is only permitted after the USPTO officially registers your mark. Using ® before registration is a federal violation.
My LLC is registered. Isn't my brand name already protected?
No — and this is the most common misconception we see. Registering an LLC protects your business entity in your state. A federal trademark protects your brand name across the entire country. They are completely different.
Do I need to file in multiple classes?
Only if your brand operates in multiple industries. We advise you on exactly which classes matter for your business — and which ones are a waste of money. You'll never pay for protection you don't need.
What if I get an Office Action?
Simple procedural Office Actions are included in all filing packages. Substantive rejections (likelihood of confusion, descriptiveness) are handled at a flat fee — or free on Growth and Scale retainer plans.
Can you file internationally?
Yes. We file through the Madrid Protocol for international trademark protection. Pricing varies by country — book a consult and we'll build you a quote.
What if someone is already using my name?
This is exactly what our Search & Strategy package is designed to catch. If a conflict exists, we'll find it before you file — and advise you on your options.
Do you handle litigation?
No. We provide transactional counsel only (no litigation). We can support negotiation strategy and pre-suit resolution planning, but we do not appear in court.
Ready to protect your brand?
Book a free 15-minute consult. We'll tell you exactly what you need — and what you don't. No pressure, no commitment, no billable hours.
Flat fees only · Entertainment & IP specialists · Based in Los Angeles
Transactional counsel only. No litigation.