China
Trademark Registration in CHINA - Protect Your Brand Nationwide
Trademark applications in China are administered by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). Under the updated official practice, CNIPA first conducts a formality examination of the goods and/or services covered in the application. Only after the goods/services are found acceptable is the official filing receipt issued and the application number allocated. CNIPA follows a first-to-file system, making early filing critical for brand protection in China.
Why Trademark Registration in the China Is Important for Brand Protection?
First-to-File System: China grants trademark rights to the first applicant, not the first user, making early registration essential to prevent "trademark squatters" from claiming your brand name.
Legal Enforcement: Registration provides the legal basis to take action against infringers, including counterfeiters, and allows for stopping fake products at the border by recording your mark with Customs.
Counterfeit Prevention: Securing your trademark prevents others from legally producing and selling fake versions of your goods, protecting your reputation and revenue.
How the ChinaTrademark Registration Works
The China trademark registration system follows a structured sequence of reviews, publications, and legal checks. These steps ensure that trademarks meet all statutory requirements and remain protected over time.
Filing
The application is filed with CNIPA through a local trademark agent (mandatory for foreign applicants). At this stage, CNIPA conducts a formality examination of the goods/services. If any issues are identified, an Official Notification of Amendment is issued
Allocation of Application Number
If the goods/services are found acceptable, CNIPA issues the Official Filing Receipt, at which point the application number is formally allocated (typically within 1–2 months from filing).
Preliminary Examination & Publication
If the application passes the preliminary examination without official action, it is published in the Official Trademark Gazette for opposition purposes.
Opposition Period
Third parties may file an opposition within 3 months from the date of publication.
Registration
If no opposition is filed, or if resolved in favor of the applicant, the trademark matures into registration and the Trademark Registration Certificate is issued.
Validity & Renewal
EU Trade Marks are protected for 10 years from the filing date and may be renewed indefinitely in successive 10-year terms upon payment of renewal fees
Trademark Services Available in China
Attorney-Assisted Search
In-depth legal search for conflicts.
Trademark Registration Services
Full filing and application management.
Trademark Renewal Services
Hassle-free renewals to keep your protection active.
Watch & Monitoring Services
Initial screening of China records to check availability.
Ownership Transfer / Assignment
Smooth handling of trademark ownership changes.
Licensing & Franchising Support
Guidance to monetize and expand your brand.
Requirements for Filing
Applicant name & business entity (individual or company).
Trademark details (word/logo/combined)
Classes of goods/services (Nice Classification)
Specimen showing use of the trademark (for "use-based" applications).
The fees listed above are indicative and may not reflect the most current charges. Please contact us to obtain the latest and accurate fee information.
Timeline
1–2 months to receive the Official Filing Receipt and application number Approx. 9 months from filing to registration in a smooth case without objections or oppositions
Validity & Renewal
EU Trade Marks are protected for 10 years from the filing date and may be renewed indefinitely in successive 10-year terms upon payment of renewal fees.
Frequently Ask Questions
All the generators on the Internet tend to repeat predefined chunks as necessary, making this the first true
Get A QuoteQ1: How long does trademark registration take in the China?
Approx. 9 months from filing to registration in a smooth case without objections or oppositions
Q2: Do I need a China address to file?
Q3: How long does a China trademark last?
Q4: Can I protect my logo and name together?
Q5: Is China a first-to-file country?
Q6: Are multi-class trademark applications allowed in China?
Q7: What is the opposition period in China?
Q8: Is trademark use required before filing in China?
Q9: Can I file a China trademark through the Madrid Protocol?
Q10: Can foreign companies own trademarks in China?
Q11: What happens if a trademark is not used in China?
Need expert guidance for china trademark registration?
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Register early under the first-to-file system to prevent brand hijacking.
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