Understanding the government fees associated with trademark registration is essential for any business planning to protect its brand in Australia. IP Australia, the federal government agency responsible for administering intellectual property rights, sets these fees and updates them periodically. While professional legal fees vary between firms, government filing fees are fixed costs that every applicant must pay — whether they file independently or through a trademark attorney.
This comprehensive guide breaks down every IP Australia filing fee you'll encounter during the trademark registration process in 2026, helping you budget accurately and avoid unexpected costs. See our guide to hidden trademark costs for a deeper analysis.
How IP Australia's Fee Structure Works
IP Australia operates on a cost-recovery basis, meaning the fees charged are designed to cover the costs of examining and processing trademark applications. The fee structure is built around two key variables:
1. The number of classes in which you seek registration 2. The filing method you choose (standard filing or TM Headstart)
Every good or service falls into one of 45 classes under the Nice Classification system — 34 classes for goods and 11 for services. The more classes you file in, the higher your government fees will be.
It's worth noting that IP Australia periodically reviews and adjusts its fee schedule. The figures discussed in this article reflect the fee structure applicable as of early 2026. For context, see our fee structure comparison. Always verify current fees directly on the IP Australia website before filing, as adjustments can occur.
Standard Trademark Application Fees
The most straightforward way to file a trademark application is through IP Australia's online filing system. The standard application fees are structured per class:
- First class: $250
- Each additional class: $250
So, if you're registering a trademark in a single class, your base government filing fee is $250. A trademark covering three classes would cost $750 in government fees alone.
These fees are payable at the time of filing and are generally non-refundable, even if your application is ultimately refused. This is an important consideration — it means the examination fee is for the service of having your application assessed, not a guarantee of registration.
Example Cost Scenarios for Standard Filing
| Classes Filed | Government Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 class | $250 |
| 2 classes | $500 |
| 3 classes | $750 |
| 4 classes | $1,000 |
| 5 classes | $1,250 |
Most small to medium businesses find that their trademark fits within one to three classes. A café, for example, might file in Class 43 (food and drink services) and Class 30 (coffee and coffee-based beverages as goods), bringing their standard filing fee to $500.
TM Headstart: An Alternative Filing Pathway
IP Australia offers a unique pre-filing service called TM Headstart, which provides preliminary assessment of your trademark before you commit to a full application. This two-phase process can save applicants money and time by identifying potential issues early.
Phase 1: Preliminary Assessment
- First class: $100
- Each additional class: $100
During Phase 1, an IP Australia examiner reviews your proposed trademark and provides an outcome report within approximately five business days. This report indicates whether your trademark is likely to proceed to registration or whether there are obstacles.
Phase 2: Full Application
If you proceed to Phase 2 (converting your TM Headstart into a full application), additional fees apply:
- First class: $200
- Each additional class: $200
Total TM Headstart Cost
When you add both phases together, the total cost of the TM Headstart pathway is:
- First class: $300 ($100 + $200)
- Each additional class: $300 ($100 + $200)
This means TM Headstart costs $50 more per class than the standard filing route. However, the advantage is that if the Phase 1 report reveals your trademark is unlikely to be accepted, you've only spent $100 per class rather than the full $250. You can then refine your mark or reconsider your strategy before committing further funds.
| Filing Method | 1 Class | 2 Classes | 3 Classes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard filing | $250 | $500 | $750 |
| TM Headstart (both phases) | $300 | $600 | $900 |
| TM Headstart (Phase 1 only, if you stop) | $100 | $200 | $300 |
Fees During the Examination and Opposition Process
Beyond the initial filing fee, there are several other government fees that may arise during the life of your trademark application.
Request for Expedited Examination
If you need your trademark examined faster than the standard timeframe, you can request expedited examination. This is only available in certain circumstances — for example, if you need registration to take legal action against an infringer or if you're about to export goods. The fee for expedited examination is $375 per application.
Statement of Grounds and Particulars (Opposition)
If a third party opposes your trademark application, or if you wish to oppose someone else's, fees apply at various stages of the opposition process:
- Filing a notice of opposition: $250 per application opposed
- Filing a counter-statement: No additional government fee
Opposition proceedings can become complex and lengthy. While the government fees for opposition are relatively modest, the professional costs of engaging a trademark attorney to manage opposition proceedings can be substantial. This is one area where expert legal guidance is particularly valuable.
Extension of Time Requests
If you need more time to respond to an examiner's report or to take action in opposition proceedings, you may need to file an extension of time request. Fees vary depending on the circumstances, but generally range from $100 to $250 per request.
Registration and Renewal Fees
Initial Registration
Once your trademark passes examination and survives any opposition period, it proceeds to registration. There is no additional government fee for the initial registration itself — the examination fee you paid at filing covers this step. See our data on opposition costs for a deeper analysis.
Your trademark is initially registered for a period of 10 years from the filing date.
Renewal Fees
To maintain your trademark registration beyond the initial 10-year period, you must pay renewal fees. Renewal can be done for successive 10-year periods indefinitely, meaning your trademark can theoretically last forever as long as you continue to renew and use it.
The renewal fees are:
- First class: $400
- Each additional class: $400
If you miss the renewal deadline, you have a six-month grace period during which you can still renew, but a late fee applies. Late renewal fees are higher:
- Late renewal (within 6 months of expiry): $100 surcharge per class on top of standard renewal fees
After the six-month grace period, your trademark registration will lapse, and you'll need to file a new application if you want to re-register.
Renewal Cost Comparison
| Scenario | 1 Class | 2 Classes | 3 Classes |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-time renewal | $400 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Late renewal (within grace period) | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 |
Other Government Fees to Be Aware Of
Several additional fees may be relevant depending on your circumstances:
Assignment and Recordal of Ownership Changes
If you sell your business or transfer trademark ownership, you'll need to record this with IP Australia. The fee for recording an assignment or other change in ownership is $100 per trademark.
Registration of Licences and Security Interests
If you licence your trademark to another party or use it as security for a loan, recording these interests with IP Australia attracts fees as well.
Removal for Non-Use Applications
Any person can apply to have a registered trademark removed from the register if it hasn't been used for a continuous period of three years. The fee for filing a non-use removal application is $250 per class challenged.
International Applications (Madrid Protocol)
If you're looking to extend your trademark protection internationally through the Madrid Protocol, IP Australia acts as the office of origin. There's a handling fee for international applications filed through IP Australia, in addition to the fees payable to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and designated countries. The IP Australia handling fee is $250 per international application. For more detail, see our international filing cost guide.
Tips for Managing Government Filing Costs
Choose Your Classes Carefully
One of the most effective ways to manage filing costs is to be strategic about class selection. Filing in unnecessary classes not only increases your upfront costs but also inflates renewal costs every decade. Work with a qualified trademark attorney to identify the classes that genuinely matter for your business.
Consider TM Headstart for Uncertain Marks
If you're unsure whether your trademark will be accepted — perhaps because it's descriptive of your goods or services, or because you suspect similar marks may already be registered — TM Headstart can be a cost-effective way to test the waters before committing to a full application.
Set Renewal Reminders
Missing a renewal deadline doesn't just cost you an extra $100 per class in late fees — it risks losing your trademark registration entirely. Set calendar reminders well in advance of your renewal date, and consider engaging a trademark attorney who offers renewal management services.
Budget for the Full Lifecycle
When budgeting for trademark registration, don't just think about the initial filing fee. Consider the potential costs of responding to examination reports, dealing with oppositions, and renewing your registration over the long term. A trademark registered in two classes, renewed three times over 40 years, will cost at least $2,900 in government fees alone ($500 filing + $800 × 3 renewals).
Government Fees vs Professional Fees
It's important to distinguish between government fees (paid to IP Australia) and professional fees (paid to your trademark attorney or lawyer). Government fees are standardised and non-negotiable. Professional fees vary between firms and depend on the complexity of your matter, the experience of your attorney, and the level of service provided.
When comparing quotes from different trademark professionals, make sure you understand which components are government fees and which are professional fees. Some firms bundle these together, while others itemise them separately. Transparency in fee structures is a hallmark of reputable practitioners.
Verifying Current Fees
IP Australia publishes its complete fee schedule on its website, and this should always be your primary reference point. Fees can change following government reviews, and while changes are typically announced in advance, it's prudent to confirm the current fees before you file.
You can find the current fee schedule at the IP Australia website, under the trade marks section.
Planning Your Trademark Budget
Understanding government filing fees is just one piece of the trademark registration puzzle, but it's a foundational one. By knowing exactly what IP Australia charges at each stage of the process — from initial filing through to renewal — you can budget with confidence and avoid unwelcome surprises.
Whether you're a startup registering your first brand name or an established business expanding your trademark portfolio, accurate knowledge of these costs enables smarter decision-making. Combine this understanding with expert legal advice from a qualified trademark professional, and you'll be well-positioned to protect your brand efficiently and cost-effectively in the Australian market. For more detail, see our brand name vs logo vs slogan cost comparison.
Alex Drummond
Financial Analyst — Legal Services
Alex Drummond is a financial analyst specialising in Australian legal services pricing. His research covers fee structures, cost transparency, and value analysis across the trademark law sector, drawing exclusively on publicly available data.