Startups who take advantage of our FreeTrademarksForStartups.com offer are free to leave at any time. We hope to demonstrate to them why many startups have chosen us. We work hard to get our trademark applications right the first time to avoid any problems. Problems can occur no matter who files your trademark. And we've chosen to cap this offer at $1500 (which includes the USPTO filing fee for one class). Twitter me @ErikJHeels if you have questions. Thanks.
The filing fees can add up quickly. Intent-to-use applications are touted as quick ways to get your trademarks on file (which they are) but they end up costing more because you have to do multiple filings. Based on a survey we did, companies have - on average - four unregistered trademarks. Registered trademarks can also help against cybersquatted domain names.
If you plan to trademark your product or service I would also contact Athol Foden at www.brighternaming.com you don't need an attorney (in this "free offer" any work after the initial filing is at $300/hr) to file a trademark application. There are a number of issues beyond getting the USPTO paperwork completed correctly involved in selecting a name/trademark.
For a guy who just spent $600 on filing fees... I'm impressed.