The key difference between the TEAS Plus vs TEAS Standard comes down to whether or not your goods and/or services are in the Trademark ID Manual. If they are, then go with the former. If they are not, consider the TEAS Standard, instead.

You understand trademark basics, and you completed a conflict check search for your mark. Choosing between the two is the difference between a $100 fee, an Office Action refusal, or potential rejection.

Here, I pull back the curtain, and explain how using the Trademark ID Manual will help you decide.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

1. The Difference between TEAS Plus vs TEAS Standard

After you login with your MyUSPTO account, you will be confronted with two choices: If you started your application, you likely come across two options TEAS Plus vs TEAS Standard. See screenshot below.

Simply put, “TEAS” stands for “Trademark Electronic Application System.” The United States Trademark and Patent Office (“USPTO”) strongly encourages filing trademarks online, and your filing will move more quickly with online filing versus paper filing. In fact, the USPTO will assess a penalty in the form of additional fees if you file by paper application.

The TEAS Plus option says:

“TEAS Plus: I am filing a TEAS Plus application, with a reduced fee of $250 per class of goods/services. Failure to comply with TEAS Plus Requirements will incur an additional processing fee of $100 per class of goods/services.”

On the other hand, the TEAS Standard option states:

“TEAS Standard: I am filing a TEAS Standard application, with a fee of $350 per class of goods/services.”

As you can see, the TEAS “Plus” application costs $100 less than “Standard.” It probably does not help, that the USPTO calls the less expensive TEAS of the two options “Plus” while the more expensive option is labeled “Standard.” Fortunately, there is an easy way to figure out which application is right for you.

2. Search the Trademark ID Manual

The Trademark ID Manual contains an encyclopedia of possible goods and services. When you pull up the Trademark ID Manual, look at the large field box under “ID Master List.” Now, type in what you intend to sell as a service or good in the field box. For example, if your business streams video podcasts you will receive two results if you type in “entertainment podcast.” The descriptions state:

• Entertainment services, namely, providing video podcasts in the field of {indicate field or subject matter}
• Entertainment services, namely, providing podcasts in the field of {indicate field or subject matter}

This is fine for most people. However, what if your goods and/or services are not available in the Trademark ID Manual? In that case, your business would benefit from a custom description.

A. Niche Goods and/or Services

For many entries, the Trademark ID Manual will have a field called “{indicate field or subject matter}.” This will allow you to custom-tailor a less expensive TEAS Plus form. However, if you are selling very specific goods and/or services that cannot be found, you benefit with the TEAS Standard form. This also holds true if you are in a very niche industry.

The key difference between a TEAS Plus vs TEAS Standard trademark application comes down to whether your goods and/or services are accurately described in the Trademark ID Manual.

However, you should make sure that the description really does describe your goods and/or services. Note, however, that if you use an inaccurate description, you will receive an Office Action refusal.

B. The Key Difference Between TEAS Plus vs TEAS Standard

Let us say you have completed your review of the Trademark ID Manual. Which application should you pick? Below, is a checklist:

• If you can find an accurate description of your class of goods and/or services, use the TEAS Plus application.
• If you cannot find an accurate description of your class of goods and/or services, consider the TEAS Standard application.

3. Conclusion and Recommendation

In conclusion, whether you use the TEAS Plus vs TEAS Standard for your application is simple. Ask yourself if the Trademark ID Manual accurately describes the goods and/or services you provide. If the answer is “yes,” then select TEAS Plus application. If the Trademark ID Manual does not accurately describe the goods and/or services, then consider filing a TEAS Standard application.

Please feel free to contact Syed Law, or you can get started right away on your application.

If you received an Office Action in response to an incorrect application selection, we can also help.