Clear answers about eligibility, documents, timing, and protection, along with the limits of what any trademark agency can promise.
Individuals and companies based outside China are eligible. A Chinese business license is not required. Foreign applicants must be represented by a legally registered Chinese trademark agency to handle the filing.
Yes. The whole process can be coordinated remotely. You provide the documents and instructions by email, and we handle filing and official correspondence in China.
You normally need a document proving the applicant's identity, trademark artwork, details of the goods or services, and a signed power of attorney. We provide the power-of-attorney template.
No. Trademark protection is territorial. A registration in your own country does not automatically create rights in mainland China.
A straightforward matter often takes several months, but CNIPA processing times vary. Examination, publication, refusals, and oppositions can extend the timeline. We provide a case-specific estimate and will not promise a fixed completion date.
A registered trademark is valid for 10 years from the registration date and can be renewed before expiration under the applicable procedure.
A search is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. It can reveal potentially conflicting earlier marks and help you decide whether to file, adjust the scope, or consider a different mark.
No. Search is a risk-assessment tool. CNIPA makes the final decision after examination, and publication allows third parties to oppose.
No. Protection is class-based. A registration in one class protects the goods or services approved in that class. Additional classes require separate scope and fees.
Yes, China allows multi-class applications, but each additional class adds fees and scope. Our standard package is priced for one class with up to 10 specified items. We will quote additional classes separately and recommend a practical filing strategy.
CNIPA will explain the refusal in an official notice. Depending on the reason, review or response options may be available within the applicable deadline. This work is outside the standard package and is quoted separately.
A trademark application should match the sign you intend to register. Material changes to wording or graphic elements usually cannot be made through a simple amendment and may require a new application.
An approved application is published before registration. Third parties can file an opposition during the publication period. If no successful opposition follows, the mark can proceed to registration.
Yes. Genuine use matters. A mark that remains unused for an extended period may be vulnerable to a non-use cancellation action by a third party.
No. Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan have separate trademark systems. A mainland China registration does not automatically cover those regions.
This is general information, not legal advice
Each trademark and business situation is different. Discuss your actual mark, products and target classes with a qualified adviser before filing.
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