How Much Does Legal Shield Cost for Trademark Help?

In today’s fast-paced digital economy, protecting your brand is more critical than ever. Whether you're a startup founder, a small business owner, or an entrepreneur expanding globally, securing a trademark can safeguard your intellectual property (IP) from infringement. But legal fees can be daunting—especially when you're just getting started. That’s where services like LegalShield come in, offering affordable legal protection plans.

So, how much does LegalShield cost for trademark help? Let’s break it down—along with why trademark protection matters in 2024 and how LegalShield compares to traditional law firms.

Why Trademark Protection Is a Must in 2024

The Rise of Counterfeit Goods & Online Scams

With e-commerce booming, counterfeit products flood platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and social media marketplaces. A registered trademark gives you legal leverage to take down fake listings and protect your brand reputation.

Global Expansion & Brand Recognition

If you're scaling internationally, securing trademarks in key markets (U.S., EU, China) prevents copycats from hijacking your brand. Companies like Shein and Temu have faced lawsuits over IP theft—don’t let that be you.

Social Media & Domain Squatting

Cybersquatters buy domains or social media handles resembling your brand, then sell them at inflated prices. A trademark allows you to reclaim these assets through UDRP (Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy) claims.

How LegalShield Works for Trademarks

LegalShield provides prepaid legal plans covering consultations, document reviews, and attorney letters. While it doesn’t replace a full-service IP law firm, it’s a budget-friendly option for early-stage trademark needs.

LegalShield Pricing Breakdown

1. Individual Plan ($29.95/month)

   • Basic legal consultations
   • Document reviews (e.g., cease-and-desist letters)
   • Limited trademark guidance

2. Small Business Plan ($49.95/month)

   • Includes all Individual Plan benefits
   • Business-specific legal support
   • Assistance with trademark applications (filing fees not included)

3. Additional Costs

   • USPTO filing fees: $250–$350 per class (government cost)
   • International filings: $500+ per country
   • LegalShield attorneys may charge extra for complex filings.

What’s Covered vs. What’s Not

✔ Covered:
- Initial trademark searches (avoiding conflicts)
- Basic application guidance
- Responding to office actions (simple cases)

✖ Not Covered:
- Full trademark prosecution (oppositions, appeals)
- Litigation (infringement lawsuits)
- International filings (requires specialized attorneys)

LegalShield vs. Hiring a Trademark Attorney

Pros of LegalShield

• Affordable monthly fee (vs. $1,500+ for a law firm)
• Quick access to attorneys for basic questions
• No long-term contracts

Cons of LegalShield

• Limited scope for complex trademark issues
• Additional fees for USPTO filings
• Not specialized in IP law (general attorneys)

For high-stakes filings (e.g., defending against oppositions), hiring a dedicated IP attorney ($200–$500/hour) is wiser.

Real-World Example: A Small Business Owner’s Experience

Sarah, a handmade jewelry seller on Etsy, used LegalShield to file her trademark. Here’s her cost breakdown:
- LegalShield Small Business Plan: $49.95/month
- USPTO Filing Fee: $350 (1 class)
- Total First-Year Cost: ~$950 (vs. $2,000+ with a law firm)

While LegalShield saved her money, she needed a separate IP lawyer when a competitor opposed her application.

Key Takeaways for 2024

• Trademarks are non-negotiable in the digital age.
• LegalShield offers budget-friendly entry-level support but has limitations.
• For global brands or legal disputes, invest in specialized IP counsel.

Whether you choose LegalShield or a traditional attorney, securing your trademark is a smart move—before someone else claims it.