Service
China's first-to-file system means whoever registers first owns the trademark — regardless of who used it first. Don't wait until someone else claims your brand.
China operates on a strict first-to-file system. Unlike the United States or Europe, prior use of a trademark carries no weight in China. The first entity to file an application owns the rights, full stop. This legal framework has led to widespread trademark squatting, where local entities register foreign brand names before the original owners enter the Chinese market. Major brands including Apple, Tesla, and New Balance have all faced costly trademark disputes in China because they filed too late. For small and medium businesses, the consequences can be even more severe: losing your brand name in the world's second-largest economy, with no realistic legal recourse.
Every trademark application we submit includes both your English/Latin mark and a carefully chosen Chinese character equivalent. This dual-language filing is critical because Chinese consumers naturally create Chinese versions of foreign brand names. If you only register the English version, a third party can legally register the Chinese translation. We advise on Nice class selection based on your current business and expansion plans, and draft goods/services descriptions that provide maximum scope of protection within each class. The CNIPA official fee of CNY 270 per class is included in our $350 per-class price — there are no hidden charges.
If our search reveals that your brand name has been registered by someone else in China, we assess the situation and recommend the best course of action. Options include filing an opposition during the 3-month publication window, initiating a non-use cancellation for marks that haven't been used in 3 or more consecutive years, or negotiating a transfer or coexistence agreement. Each situation is different, and we provide honest advice about the likelihood of success before you commit to any action.
What's Included
Starting from $350 /per class
Process
Typical timeline: 12-15 months
We search CNIPA's database for identical and similar marks across your target classes. You receive a detailed report with risk assessment within 24 hours.
We prepare your application in both Chinese characters and English/Pinyin, select the correct Nice classes, and draft goods/services descriptions that maximize protection.
Your application is submitted electronically to the China National Intellectual Property Administration. You receive a filing receipt with your application number.
CNIPA examiners review your application for conflicts and compliance. We handle any office actions or objections raised during this period.
Your mark is published for 3 months. If no one opposes, it proceeds to registration. If opposed, we defend your application at no extra charge.
Your trademark registration certificate is issued. You now have exclusive rights to use this mark in China for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
FAQ
Tell us about your trademark registration needs. We reply within 12 business hours.
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