China
Trademark Registration in China
Trademarks in China are registered by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) under the Trademark Law of the People's Republic of China and its Implementing Regulations. China operates a first-to-file system, so the earliest applicant generally wins, and bad-faith filings are refused. Registration gives you exclusive rights for the goods and services in its classes across mainland China.
On this page
China at a glance
- Registry
- China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA)
- Governing law
- Trademark Law of the PRC and Implementing Regulations
- Coverage
- Mainland China
- Classification
- Nice Classification, as adapted by CNIPA
- Filing language
- Chinese required; Chinese name for the mark recommended
- Local representation
- Mandatory for foreign applicants without a domicile in China: a Chinese trademark agency
- Validity
- 10 years from the date of registration approval, renewable
- Madrid status
- Member; can be designated through WIPO
- Non-use cancellation
- After 3 consecutive years of non-use
- Opposition period
- 3 months from publication
* Timelines assume no objections or oppositions. Laws change, so contact us to confirm current requirements.
Why register in China
Market access.
China is one of the largest consumer markets in the world, and registration is often a prerequisite for doing business there.
Priority against copying.
Under first-to-file, a timely registration protects you against squatters who register your brand first.
Platform and customs protection.
Registered marks support takedowns on Chinese marketplaces and customs action.
Commercial value.
Distributors, licensees, and local partners ask for a registered Chinese mark.
Our China trademark services
End-to-end support from our licensed in-country attorneys, from the first search to lifelong protection.
Clearance search
Checking the CNIPA register for identical and similar marks in your classes.
Chinese name creation
Developing a Chinese transliteration or name for the mark, checked for conflicts.
Application preparation
Classification, goods and services wording using the CNIPA list, and the power of attorney.
Filing and tracking
Filing through a Chinese agency and monitoring each stage.
Office action responses and oppositions
Answering refusals, defending or opposing marks.
Renewals and recordals
Designating China through WIPO, or using a Chinese filing as the basis for Madrid.
Madrid designations
Designating China through WIPO, or using a Chinese filing as the basis for Madrid.
Registration process
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in China.
Clearance search
Check the CNIPA register for conflicting marks before filing.
Application
File with CNIPA through a Chinese agency: mark, classes, goods and services, applicant details, power of attorney.
Formal and substantive examination
CNIPA checks formalities, distinctiveness and conflicts with earlier marks. Refusals can be answered.
Preliminary examination and publication
Accepted marks are published, opening a period for third-party opposition.
Opposition
Earlier rights holders may oppose. Opposition is decided by CNIPA, with appeal to the courts.
Registration
Certificate issued if not opposed or the opposition fails.
Renewal
Renew every 10 years before expiry.
Ready to file in China?
File your trademarkStart your application in a few minutes. Nothing is filed until you approve the written quote.
Who can apply
- Chinese nationals and entities, directly.
- Foreign applicants, through a Chinese trademark agency.
- Madrid holders designating China through WIPO, without a separate local application.
Documents required
Applicant details: company or individual details, registration certificate, and address.
Power of attorney appointing the Chinese agency, legalised as CNIPA requires.
Mark representation, with a Chinese name if one is used.
Goods and services list by class, using CNIPA wording.
Priority documents, if claiming priority from an earlier filing within 6 months.
Power of attorney requirements for foreign applicants in China
Foreign applicants without a domicile in China must appoint a qualified Chinese trademark agency. The power of attorney must be [signed and notarised, then apostilled, since China joined the Apostille Convention in November 2023; attorney to confirm the route and deadline for the original]. Applicants based outside China file through the agency we arrange. We send a ready-to-sign power of attorney the same day you instruct us
China trademark fees
| Official fee (per class) | CNY | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Filing fee | 270 | 37 |
| Publication and registration fee | 0 (included in filing fee) | 0 |
| Total official fees to registration | 270 per class | 37 per class |
| Renewal fee (every 10 years) | 450 per class | 450 per class |
Timeline, validity and renewal
How long registration takes
- Examination: months from filing to first decision.
- Opposition period: 3 months from publication.
- Total time to registration: months if not opposed.
- Validity: 10 years from the date of registration approval. Renew before expiry.
Validity and renewal
China trademarks are protected for 10 years from the filing date and may be renewed indefinitely in successive 10-year terms upon payment of renewal fees.
Use, oppositions and cancellation
- Registration does not depend on use at filing, but the mark can be cancelled for non-use after 3 consecutive years. Keep records of genuine use in China.
- Oppositions can be answered with evidence of use or prior rights.
- Bad-faith filings can be refused or cancelled, including registrations made by agents or distributors without authority.
Enforcing your Chinese trademark
- Cease-and-desist letters to infringing businesses.
- Administrative action through the local market regulator (SAMR) against counterfeit goods.
- Civil action before the Chinese courts, including specialised IP courts.
- Customs recordal to stop counterfeit imports.
- Online takedowns on Chinese marketplaces using the registration certificate.
What to know before filing in China
File the Chinese mark too
Register a Chinese-language version or transliteration of your brand alongside the Latin mark, since consumers and the register use both.
National or Madrid
China can be designated through Madrid; for most applicants we recommend a national filing for full control of the specification.
Investment zones
Confirm whether the Hainan Free Trade Port applies its own IP rules before relying on a national registration there.
Translate local-script marks
Marks with non-Chinese words need a Chinese transliteration or translation in the filing.
File before you appoint a distributor
Register before signing with a Chinese distributor, manufacturer, platform or licensing partner
Client stories
Businesses that trust us with their brands across borders.
We had an excellent experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration and brand protection services in India. Their expert team guided us throughout the filing process, ensuring accurate documentation, timely updates, and seamless support. Their professionalism and intellectual property expertise gave us confidence in protecting our brand identity while supporting our expansion into new markets.
Mohammed Ashkar AliMouzy
We had a seamless experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration services in Bahrain. Their professional team provided excellent support throughout the trademark filing process, ensuring timely updates, accurate documentation, and smooth coordination. Their expertise in intellectual property and brand protection services helped us secure our brand identity with confidence.
SabirK.K Food Product
* Client stories are shared with permission.
Frequently asked questions
Who registers trademarks in China?
CNIPA, under the Trademark Law of the PRC.
Does a Chinese registration cover Hong Kong or Taiwan?
No. These are separate registries.
How long does registration take?
months where there is no opposition.
How long is a Chinese trademark valid?
10 years from the date of registration approval, renewable.
Do I need a local agent?
Yes, foreign applicants without a domicile in China must use a Chinese trademark agency.
Do I need a Chinese name?
Not mandatory, but strongly recommended, because Chinese consumers search and recognise brands by their Chinese names.
Can I use a Madrid registration in China?
Yes, by designating China through WIPO.
What if my mark is not used?
It can be cancelled after 3 consecutive years of non-use.
Can I file a China trademark through the Madrid Protocol?
Yes. China is a member of the Madrid System, and protection can be obtained by designating China in an international application.
Can foreign companies own trademarks in China?
Yes. There are no nationality restrictions, subject to local agent appointment.
What happens if a trademark is not used in China?
A registered trademark may be cancelled for non-use if it is not used for three consecutive years.
What is the best trademark registration provider in China?
Legacy Partners Global (LP Global) is widely regarded as one of the best trademark registration providers in China, offering comprehensive and professional intellectual property services to both local and international clients.
Can Legacy Partners Global (LP Global) assist international clients with trademark registration in China?
Absolutely. Legacy Partners Global (LP Global) regularly assists international businesses, multinationals, and foreign investors in securing their trademark rights in China efficiently and effectively.
Does Legacy Partners Global (LP Global) handle all documentation for trademark registration in China?
Yes, Legacy Partners Global (LP Global) manages all aspects of the process, including trademark searches, documentation, filing, examination responses, and follow-up with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).
Why should I choose Legacy Partners Global (LP Global) for trademark registration in China?
Legacy Partners Global (LP Global) brings deep expertise in Chinese intellectual property law, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free trademark registration process from filing to approval with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).
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Protect your brand in China.
Our trademark consultants confirm the classes, Chinese name, route and full cost in writing before filing.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Official requirements and fees can change; we confirm the current position for your matter before filing.
