Who can apply?
Individuals and companies based outside China are eligible. A Chinese business license is not required.
For overseas applicants
China trademark registration, explained without the jargon.
What you can protect, which documents you need, how the application moves through CNIPA, and what to do after registration.
General information only
This guide does not constitute legal advice. Every application is examined on its own facts, and CNIPA makes the final registration decision. Contact us for a case-specific review.
Who must file?
Foreign applicants must be represented by a legally registered Chinese trademark agency. They cannot file directly with CNIPA.
Where is it valid?
A trademark registered in mainland China protects rights there. Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan have separate systems.
The legal starting point
Why you need a local agent.
China’s trademark system is territorial. A registration or pending application in your home market does not automatically protect a brand in mainland China. If another party files a confusingly similar mark first, your later application may face significant obstacles.
Under Chinese trademark practice, foreign applicants must use a legally registered Chinese trademark agency. The agent handles the legal filing and official correspondence. You can still complete the entire process from another country.
What can be protected?
- Word marks, including brand names in Latin or Chinese characters
- Figurative logos and graphic symbols
- Combined marks containing wording and a graphic
- Other distinctive signs that meet China’s registrability requirements
Separate filings can offer flexibilityFiling a word mark and logo together may be more economical, but separate applications can make later changes or enforcement easier. The right approach depends on how you use the brand.
A one-class package in practical terms
Trademark protection is defined by the goods or services in the application. China uses the Nice Classification, with Classes 1–34 covering goods and Classes 35–45 covering services.
Our standard package covers one class and up to 10 specified items. If you need several classes, we will quote each class separately and build a practical scope rather than encouraging unnecessary filings.
Required documents
Four inputs usually start the process.
Requirements can change with the applicant type and mark, but these are the standard documents for most overseas filings.
01
Applicant identityAn overseas company registration certificate or a copy of the individual applicant's passport.
02
Trademark artworkClear JPG or PNG, preferably on a clean white background for logo marks.
03
Goods or services listA description of the products or services, plus any classes you have already identified.
04
Power of attorneyWe provide the template and signing instructions. A company seal may be required in some cases.
A clear path to registration
Six steps. One accountable team.
You do not need an office in China or a local bank account. We coordinate the filing, official correspondence and updates in English.
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01
Trademark search
You share the name or logo. We review potentially conflicting marks and flag key risks.
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02
Strategy & quote
We recommend the relevant classes and confirm the scope, fee and expected steps.
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03
Documents & filing
We prepare the application package and file it with CNIPA after your approval.
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04
Official examination
CNIPA reviews the application for compliance and conflicts with prior marks.
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05
Publication
Approved marks are published. Third parties may oppose during the publication period.
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06
Registration
If no opposition succeeds, the mark is registered and the certificate is issued.
A straightforward case commonly takes several months, but CNIPA's examination pace and any refusal or opposition can change the timeline. We provide a case-specific estimate before filing.
See pricing & timelineAfter registration
A trademark is an asset to manage.
Registration gives you important rights, but it also creates obligations and records to maintain.
10-year term
A registered trademark is valid for 10 years from registration and can be renewed before expiration, subject to the applicable procedure.
Use the approved scope
Use the mark on the approved goods or services and in substantially the form registered. Material changes may create risk.
Monitor and maintain
Watch for confusingly similar applications, keep the certificate and records secure, and respond to non-use cancellation actions or other official matters that may arise.
Filing receipt means “received,” not “registered”
A receipt confirms CNIPA has received the application. Exclusive rights arise only after the mark is registered, and even then only within the approved scope.
Common refusal reasons
Where applications most often run into trouble.
Prior similar marks
A proposed mark may be rejected if it is identical or confusingly similar to an earlier registered or pending mark in the relevant class.
Lack of distinctiveness
Descriptive or generic terms may be refused unless they have acquired distinctiveness through use.
Prohibited content
Certain signs may be prohibited or restricted under China’s trademark rules, including misleading or legally restricted elements.
Start with clarity
Need a case-specific view?
Share your mark, applicant type and products. We will review the key issues and recommend the next practical step.