How to Trademark Your Personal Errands & Concierge Business Name: Simple Steps

The quick answer

First, search the USPTO database, Google, and your state's business registry. If your chosen name, like "Reliable Runners" or "Elite Concierge Solutions," appears clear, file a TEAS Plus application ($250 per service class). You can start using the ™ symbol right away. Expect to wait 8-18 months for the registration process to finish. Once approved, switch to the ® symbol. Doing it yourself typically costs $250-$600, mainly for filing fees. Hiring an attorney might cost $500-$1,500. Either way, this small investment protects your service brand and saves you from a much larger expense if a dispute arises later.

Step 1: Search before you file

Before you pay any fees, thoroughly search for your chosen business name. Go to the USPTO's Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) at tess.uspto.gov. Search for names like "Your Town Tasks" or "Premium Personal Assistant" and also sound-alike names such as "Yourtown Tassk" or "Preemium P-A." If another service business, even a senior care agency or a local delivery app, has a similar name registered in the same type of service, your application will likely be rejected, and you'll lose your filing fee. Also, check Google, social media (like local Facebook groups for service providers), your state's business name registry, and domain registrars. Even if a similar name isn't federally trademarked, someone locally already using "City Errands" for their service could claim prior use, blocking your federal application.

Step 2: Identify your goods and services class

Trademark protection only covers your name within certain categories of goods and services. The USPTO sorts businesses into 45 international classes. For personal errand and concierge services, the most common and appropriate class is Class 35: Advertising, Business Management, Retailing, Financial Affairs, Real Estate. This class generally covers services like: * "Business management assistance" * "Administrative services" * "Personal concierge services for others" * "Personal shopping for others" * "Errand services" * "Senior companion services [administrative assistance]" If your service includes substantial transportation (like dedicated delivery routes beyond general errands), you might also consider Class 39: Transportation and Storage. If you primarily focus on meal preparation and delivery for clients, Class 43: Provision of Food and Drink; Temporary Accommodation could be relevant. Each class you file in costs an extra fee, so choose carefully to cover your main services without overspending.

Step 3: Choose your filing basis

How you file depends on where your personal errand or concierge business is right now. * If you have paying customers and are actively using your business name (e.g., your website is live, you have client testimonials, you've completed several paid tasks), file under Section 1(a) — Use in Commerce. This means you're already in business. * If you have your business name picked out but haven't officially launched or served your first paying client yet, file under Section 1(b) — Intent to Use. This option secures your priority date for the name while you set up your client booking system, get your liability insurance, or finish your marketing materials. You'll need to provide proof (like an invoice, website screenshot, or marketing flyer showing your name in use) before the trademark is fully registered.

Step 4: File the application

Submit your application on the USPTO website using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS). * TEAS Plus costs $250 per class. You'll choose from standard descriptions of services, such as "personal errand services" or "concierge services for others." For most personal errand and concierge businesses, these standard descriptions in Class 35 are perfectly fine. * TEAS Standard costs $350 per class. This option lets you write your own custom description of services. It's usually only needed if your services are very niche or don't fit the predefined options well. To save money, almost all independent errand runners, personal shoppers, or senior companions can use TEAS Plus if their services match the USPTO's standard wordings.

Step 5: Respond to office actions

Once you file, a USPTO attorney will check your application. They might send an "office action," which is either a request for more information or a rejection. You get 3 months (and can ask for up to 6) to reply. Common reasons for office actions for service businesses include: * Your name is too similar to an existing "Errand Express" or "Helpful Hands Concierge" mark. * Your description of services ("doing stuff for people") is too vague. * Your proof of use (like a business card or website screenshot) doesn't clearly show your name used for the listed services. If you get an office action, this is often the best time to hire a trademark attorney. They can help you understand the issue and craft the best response to keep your application moving forward.

Step 6: After registration

After your application is approved, your chosen business name (like "Your City Errands" or "Premium Personal Shopper") is published in the Official Gazette for 30 days. This gives anyone who thinks your name conflicts with theirs a chance to object. If no one opposes, your trademark officially registers. Once it does, stop using the ™ symbol and start using the ® symbol. This shows everyone your name is legally protected. Remember to file a "Section 8 declaration" between the 5th and 6th year after registration. This simply confirms you are still actively using the name for your errand or concierge services. If you don't, your trademark will be canceled. After that, you'll need to renew your trademark every 10 years to keep it active.

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