If you're starting or growing a business, protecting your brand name with a trademark is one of the smartest moves you can make. But here’s the thing: while it might be tempting to go the do-it-yourself (DIY) route with services like LegalZoom, that decision could end up costing you way more in the long run.

Let’s talk about why.

The Problem With DIY Trademark Services

Companies like LegalZoom and other online platforms make trademarking sound easy and affordable. Their websites promise quick filings, low prices, and a stress-free process. But what they don’t tell you is that trademark law is anything but simple.

Here are the three biggest problems with using these kinds of services:

1. High Rejection Rates

Did you know that over 50% of trademark applications filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) get rejected? And when you file through a DIY platform, your chances of rejection are often even higher.

Why? Because platforms like LegalZoom don’t give you personalized legal advice. They’re not reviewing your application the way an attorney would. That means important things—like whether your name is too similar to another brand—get missed. And when that happens, you’re out of luck and out of money.

2. Hidden Fees and Upsells

DIY services love to advertise their “low” prices. But what you see on the front page isn’t always what you pay in the end.

Want a more detailed trademark search? That’s an extra fee.
Need help responding to an Office Action from the USPTO? Another fee.
Want to actually talk to a real attorney? Yup—more money.

By the time you’ve added all that up, you might have spent more than you would have if you'd just worked with a real trademark lawyer from the start.

3. No Legal Guidance

This one is huge. Trademark law is full of tricky rules, gray areas, and legal terms that most people have never heard of. When you use a DIY service, you’re not getting a legal strategy—you’re getting a form-filling assistant.

And here’s the scary part: once you file that application, it’s on the record. If you made a mistake, you can’t just fix it. You might have to start all over again, wasting time and money.

That’s the kind of headache no business owner needs.

Real Talk: What It’s Like to Work With a Trademark Firm

Now, let’s flip the script. When you work with a dedicated trademark firm like Indie Law, here’s what you get:

• A real legal strategy: We don’t just fill out forms—we give you a plan based on your business, your brand, and your goals.
  
  
• Clear communication: We break down complex legal stuff into plain English, so you know what’s going on at every step.
  
  
• Expert advice: We help you avoid common pitfalls before they cost you money or delay your application.
  
  
• Peace of mind: You’ll know your brand is being protected by a team that actually cares about your success.
  
  

And here’s the kicker—we often end up saving clients money in the long run because they avoid costly mistakes from the get-go.

The Long-Term Risks of DIY Trademarking

Still on the fence? Here are some long-term risks you might face if you go the DIY route:

• Trademark rejection: A denied application means you’ll have to start over and repay the USPTO fees.
  
  
• Opposition from other brands: If your application goes through but your brand is too similar to another, you could face a legal fight.
  
  
• Rebranding costs: If someone else already owns the name you picked, you might have to change your business name, logo, website, and more.
  
  
• Loss of credibility: Legal trouble can damage your reputation, especially if it becomes public.
  
  

All of that adds up to lost time, money, and trust.

Why Indie Law Is Different

At Indie Law, we’re not just filling out paperwork—we’re helping you build a legacy. We know that every brand is unique, and we take the time to really understand yours.

We work almost exclusively with creative entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, and online business owners. We get the online business world, and we’ve seen the behind-the-scenes messes that come from rushed, low-budget trademarking.

We also offer flat-fee pricing, so you always know what you're paying for—and what you're getting in return.

Final Thoughts: Your Brand Deserves Better

Your brand is more than just a name or a logo. It’s your business, your story, and your future.

So ask yourself:
Would you rather roll the dice with a one-size-fits-all service that treats your trademark like a number?
Or work with a dedicated legal team that puts your brand first?

You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to help you get it right the first time.