China Trademark Introduction

Organisation 

Managing by National Intellectual Property Administration, PRC (CNIPA), applicants have to submit trademark application to CNIPA for examination.

Trademark protection rule

China’s trademark law follows the “First-to-file” rule, which indicates that protection will be given to the trademark that is registered earlier vis-a-vis those who come late to file in the same trademark class, even though he/she may have used the mark for a while .

Under the principle of territoriality, trademark could only be protected in registered regions. Hence, protection is legally valid and limited only within China if the applicants register his/her trademark there, and vice versa. Businesses that fail to register their trademark in China will have very limited legal protection in China against trademark infringement. Corporation should apply overseas trademark if they want to expand their business, so as to avoid the infringement of trademark against or by a third party.

Renewal of registration

Duration of trademark is 10 years beginning from the registration date, and can be renewed every 10 years. Trademark owner can renew his/her trademark 12 months before the due date.

Noted that trademark will be removed from registration if applicants do not apply for renewals of registration within a specific period.

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China Trademark Application Procedure

Application procedure normally takes 9 – 12 months, included 3 months of publication for opposition.
Below is the procedure of applying China trademark,

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China trademark FAQ

China Trademark Application

Q1：What are the requirements if I want to apply China Trademark?
A1： You, as an individual or business entity, have to apply through National Intellectual Property Administration, PRC (CNIPA). All Non-Chinese-nationality individual or business entity have to apply China trademark through agency.

Q2：What do I need when I apply the trademark?
A2：
1. Application form：Should clearly state the basic information of applicants, including but not limited to name, address, nationality etc.
2. Classes of goods and services applied
3. Trademark
4. Copies of ID documents (Individual application) / BR (Corporation application)

Q4：How much is the China trademark application fee?
A4：Should you have any inquiries about China trademark application fee, please feel free to contact our IP consultant anytime.

All information is subject to CNIPA. You may click here to view more details.

China Trademark Objection

Q1：What is trademark objection?
A1： An objection of trademark application after the examination of National Intellectual Property Administration, PRC (CNIPA) on applicant’s trademark.

Q2：Why my trademark is objected by CNIPA?
A2：Reasons include (1) High similarity with another registered trademark, (2) Violation of trademark law, (3) Indistinctive chracteristics, (4)Generic trademark etc.

Q3：What should I do if my trademark is objected?
A3：CNIPA shall notify the applicant of the objection in writing, with clearly state the reason of objection. Applicants can apply for a review within 15 days from receipt of notification, else will be treated as withdrawal of application. Should you have any inquiries about applying for a review, please feel free to contact our IP consultant anytime.

Q4： Do I need to apply trademark review and submit the evidence documents at the same time?
A4：Applicants should submit the evidence in support of application to CNIPA within 3 months after the reviewal application.

Q5：How much is the trademark reviewal fee?
A5：Reviewal fee varies based on the case situation. Should you have any inquiries about applying for a review, please feel free to contact our IP consultant anytime.

All information is subject to CNIPA. You may click here to view more details.

China Trademark Opposition

Q1：What is trademark opposition?
A1： Anyone file an opposition notice to National Intellectual Property Administration, PRC (CNIPA) within the 3-month period beginning on the publication date.

Q2：Why my trademark is opposed by a third party?
A2：Reasons include (1) High similarity with another registered trademark, (2) malicious trademark registration.

Q3：What should I do if my trademark is opposed by a third party?
A3：Applicants can file evidence in support of application in written format within 30 days from receipt of notification.  Should you have any inquiries about trademark opposition or opposition procedure, please feel free to contact our IP consultant

Q4：Can I not to defense when someone opposes my trademark?
A4：Applicants will be treated as withdrawal of defense if he/she does not apply defense. The final result is subject to CNIPA.

Q5：What should I submit if I want to oppose a trademark?
A5：You have to submit the following documents, including but not limited to:

1. Opposition form
2. Copies of the published announcement of opposed trademark
3. Reason of opposition with clear evidence.
4. Power of Attorney

Q6：How much for opposing a trademark?
A6：Should you have any inquiries about trademark opposition, please feel free to contact our IP consultant.

All information is subject to CNIPA. You may click here to view more details.

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