How do I register a trademark in China?

Trademark registration in China is handled through CNIPA (China National Intellectual Property Administration). The process includes: 1) Trademark availability search, 2) Preparing and filing the application, 3) Formal examination by CNIPA, 4) Publication and opposition period, 5) Registration certificate issuance. We provide the search analysis and coordinate with licensed Chinese trademark agents for the official filing.

Why is a trademark search important before filing in China?

China follows a first-to-file system, meaning whoever files first gets the rights. A comprehensive search before filing helps identify existing trademarks that may conflict with yours, saving you time and money on rejected applications. It also reveals potential bad-faith registrations by trademark squatters.

How long does trademark registration take in China?

The full process typically takes 12-18 months from filing to registration certificate. This includes the formal examination (2-4 months), substantive examination (6-9 months), and a 3-month publication period. We keep you informed at every stage.

Trademark / IP Service

Protect Your Brand in China

China operates on a first-to-file trademark system. If someone registers your brand name before you do, recovering it can take years and cost tens of thousands of dollars. We help you file first — and file right.

⚠️ The China Trademark Trap

Unlike the US and many other countries where "first to use" establishes rights, China grants trademark rights to whoever files first at CNIPA. This means:

A local competitor or trademark squatter can register your brand name in Chinese characters
Even if you've been selling globally for decades, someone else may own your mark in China
Your products can be seized at Chinese customs for "trademark infringement" — by someone using your own brand name
Recovering a squatted trademark typically costs $10,000-$50,000 and takes over years

The solution is simple: register your trademark in China before someone else does.

Our Trademark & IP Services

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Trademark Availability Search

Before you file, know if your mark is available

Comprehensive search across CNIPA trademark database
Identical and similar mark analysis (Chinese & English)
Relevant Nice Classification matching
Phonetic and visual similarity check in Chinese characters
Risk assessment and filing recommendation

Delivered As

Search report with risk analysis and filing strategy

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Trademark Registration Filing

We handle the filing coordination with licensed agents

Filing strategy and class selection advisory
Application preparation and document review
Coordination with licensed Chinese trademark agents for official filing
CNIPA examination progress monitoring
Publication and opposition period tracking
Registration certificate delivery

Delivered As

Full filing service + registration certificate upon approval

How the Trademark Process Works

We search CNIPA database for conflicts and provide a risk assessment

Strategy

We advise on class selection and filing strategy based on your business

File

Licensed trademark agents file your application with CNIPA

Monitor

We track examination, publication, and deliver your certificate

Important: We provide trademark search analysis as part of our consulting service. Official filing will be handled by reputable licensed Chinese trademark agents. This ensures your application meets all CNIPA requirements and maximizes approval chances.

Protect Your Brand Today

Every day you wait is a day someone else could register your trademark in China. Start with a search today.

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