Talk with a trademark lawyer serving Des Moines and all of Iowa about your name, logo, and next market before you invest in a launch or rebrand.
Over 500 entrepreneurs choose Surge.
Settle these before paying for signs, packaging, or a product launch.
The Iowa Secretary of State accepting an LLC name, a domain name, or a trade name does not settle whether another business has trademark rights in the name.
Why the search comes firstA software founder may need Class 9, a retailer or marketing agency should consider Class 35, and an apparel brand should start with Class 25.
Match classes to what you sellIowa registration requires a mark already in use in Iowa. If you sell across state lines or plan to expand, discuss federal registration early.
Compare Iowa and federalFor most Iowa businesses, start by checking the brand before paying for signs, packaging, or a product launch. The Iowa Secretary of State accepting an LLC name, a domain name, or a trade name does not settle whether another business has trademark rights in the name.
A clear search is only the first risk. Even a strong name can draw an office action from the USPTO, and an unanswered office action ends in an abandoned application and lost filing fees. See how applications get abandoned.
We help owners look beyond the state business-name search, assess potential conflicts, and choose the right registration strategy. Our federal trademark service serves businesses nationwide, including founders building their first brand in Iowa.
Iowa's trademark statute, Iowa Code chapter 548, sets out how a mark is registered with the Iowa Secretary of State and what counts as using a mark.
Iowa registration requires a mark already in use, such as goods sold in Iowa or services rendered here. A registration lasts five years and can be renewed. It provides state-law benefits for the relevant goods or services.
If you sell across state lines or plan to expand, discuss federal registration early. Eligible applicants may file on an intent-to-use basis before launch, but actual use and additional filings are required before registration.
A software founder may need to distinguish downloadable products in Class 9 from hosted services. A retailer or marketing agency should consider Class 35. An apparel brand should start with Class 25, while checking whether it also offers retail services.
For an Iowa food or beverage business, the packaged product and the restaurant service are different parts of the brand. Buying a class without checking the description can leave the actual business outside the application.
Read the Iowa registration requirements, the USPTO's explanation of federal registration benefits, and its intent-to-use requirements.
An office action is a legal notice from the USPTO examiner requiring more information or changes before your application can move forward. It comes with a firm response deadline. Office actions can be confusing to read, and some owners mistake them for junk mail. When no one responds in time, the application is abandoned and the filing fees are gone.
Most trademark applications receive at least one office action, and many low-cost and DIY filings end this way. Other services charge extra to respond, and we have seen fees as high as $7,000.
Because office actions are so common, every package includes one office action response. We read the notice, prepare the response, and manage the correspondence with the examiner.
One all-in price: the search fee up front, then 12 monthly payments. The USPTO filing fee for one class per mark, one office action response, and 12 months of monitoring are included.
Each package also includes an attorney search and clearance opinion, and we discuss the search results before proceeding.
Your business name, product name, or slogan.
Your visual brand identity.
Two applications for the name and design.
Google reviews across Surge Business Law offices.
Justin Clay
Nov 2025
They put together step by step learning modules that take you through key aspects of running a business and they have made the process very simple.
Cassie Serrata
Aug 2025
Matt and his team are knowledgable, friendly and efficient. They helped me get my LLC up and running. Highly recommend his legal services for any small business owner.
Mo Yang
Aug 2025
He wasn’t trying to sell me something I didn’t need, but instead gave advice that was truly in my best interest.
Our Iowa office serves the entire state. Most appointments are virtual, with in-person meetings available at 5335 Merle Hay Rd, Suite 7, Johnston, IA 50131, minutes from downtown Des Moines. We are open late Mondays until 7:00 pm.
Meet the Iowa team and see office details, or call (515) 994-0404.
Tell us what you sell, the brand you want to use, and where you plan to grow.
