How to Register a Trademark in China: Timeline & Costs
China remains one of the world's largest consumer markets, making trademark protection in this country critically important for international business. Trademark registration in China has its own unique characteristics that must be taken into account to successfully obtain legal protection in this dynamic market.
Main Methods of Trademark Registration in China
There are two main methods for registering a trademark in China: direct national registration through the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), and registration through the Madrid System.
Direct National Registration in China
The Chinese trademark system is based on the "first to file" principle, meaning that the right to a trademark belongs to whoever files the application first — not whoever begins using it first. Foreign trademarks registered in other countries have no legal force in China without a separate national registration.
It is worth noting the territorial limitations of Chinese jurisdiction. Registration of a trademark in mainland China does not extend to Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan. Separate registration in each of those territories is required to protect a trademark there.
Registration Procedure in 2025
The trademark registration procedure in China involves several stages. Foreign applicants are required to file applications exclusively through a Chinese patent attorney accredited with CNIPA. The first stage is a formal examination lasting 1–2 months, during which the application is checked for compliance with formal requirements.
After the formal examination, a substantive examination begins, which can take 6–9 months. If the application passes the substantive examination, the trademark is published for potential third-party oppositions over a 3-month period. If no oppositions are filed — or if they are successfully challenged — CNIPA issues the registration certificate. The total procedure takes 9–12 months from the date of filing.
Updated Application Requirements
To file a trademark application in China, the following documents must be prepared:
- an application form completed in Chinese;
- a clear image of the trademark in JPEG or PNG digital format;
- a detailed list of goods or services according to the International Classification;
- a properly executed power of attorney to the patent attorney.
For legal entities, an extract from the state register and the company charter are also required; for individuals — a notarized copy of the passport. If the trademark contains Chinese characters, an official translation with explanation of meaning must be provided. For color trademarks, exact color codes according to international standards must be specified.
Applicants may exercise a priority right within 6 months from the filing date of a base application in a Paris Convention member country.
Term and Renewal of Registration
A trademark in China is valid for 10 years from the date of registration, with the option to renew for 10 years an unlimited number of times. The renewal application must be filed no later than 6 months before the expiration of the registration term.
It is important to note that China is considering introducing a new requirement for a declaration of trademark use every 5 years, requiring trademark owners to confirm actual commercial use of their marks.
Special Risks and Challenges
The Chinese market is characterized by the widespread practice of registering well-known foreign trademarks by bad-faith actors for the purpose of subsequent sale or blocking the activities of the legitimate owners.
CNIPA actively combats bad-faith applications and abuses in the trademark system. In 2025, measures were strengthened against abnormal patent applications and malicious trademark registrations. Specific grounds for refusal include political motives, imitation of state symbols, use of religious symbols without justification, and geographic names with strict usage restrictions.
Strategic Recommendations
For successful trademark registration in China, it is recommended to:
- conduct a thorough preliminary search to identify potential conflicts;
- proceed with registration well before actually entering the Chinese market;
- consider registration in several relevant classes of goods and services;
- prepare a high-quality translation of all materials into Chinese;
- establish a continuous monitoring system to track potential infringements.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Direct Registration
Direct national registration in China offers several advantages: faster application processing, the ability to communicate directly with the Chinese office through a patent attorney, detailed examination taking local specifics into account, and no dependency on a base application.
Disadvantages include the mandatory involvement of a Chinese patent attorney, the need to translate all documents into Chinese with notarization, and the need for separate monitoring of deadlines and procedures.
Conclusion
Trademark registration in China is a prerequisite for successful business in this country. Early and professional registration will help avoid serious problems with bad-faith registrations by competitors and ensure reliable legal protection in one of the world's largest markets. We will register your brand in China quickly, professionally, and with excellent results — contact us.
