China Trademark Registration Costs: 2026 A Comprehensive Guide to Strategic Budgeting
China holds a crucial position in the global economy, and an increasing number of foreign companies are expanding into the Chinese market. Trademark protection is a key aspect of brand strategy, and understanding how to manage registration costs and avoid hidden expenses is a challenge for every business. In 2026, China’s trademark registration costs are not only impacted by official fees but also by the choice of agent services, category planning, and additional expenses that may arise, all of which can significantly affect the final budget.
1. China Trademark Registration Official Fees: Basic Breakdown
The fees for trademark registration in China are managed by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). The fee structure is relatively stable and is mainly divided into two categories: base application fees and additional fees.
Electronic applications are faster and cheaper than paper applications, while the final validity is completely the same, and almost all Chinese trademark agents use electronic applications.
1.1 Base Application Fees
The core official fee is the base application fee. The cost depends on the submission method. Currently, electronic submission is the most commonly used method, and the prices provided here are for electronic submissions. For convenience, the approximate conversion is based on an exchange rate of 1 USD to 7 RMB. Please refer to the Bank of China’s daily exchange rate quotation for the specific rate.
| Item | Official Fee (RMB / USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Trademark Application Fee | ¥270 / $39 | Electronic applications are cheaper, covering up to 10 items (goods/services) |
| Additional Item Fee | ¥27 / $3.9 | Charged for each additional item over 10 goods/services |
1.2 Renewal Fees
A trademark is valid for 10 years, after which a renewal application is required:
| Renewal Fee | Official Fee (RMB / USD) |
|---|---|
| Renewal (10 years) | ¥450 / $65 |
1.3 Other Official Fees
In addition to the basic registration and renewal fees, the following extra fees may arise:
| Other Fees | Official Fee (RMB / USD) |
|---|---|
| Refusal Re-examination Fee | ¥675 / $96 |
| Opposition Fee / Objection | ¥450 / $65 (paid by the opposing party) |
| Re-issue Certificate Fee | ¥450 / $65 |
Note: These fees are official fees from CNIPA (CNIPA’s trademark service fee standards), and actual trademark registration costs may be higher, especially if agent services are involved.
2. Agent Fees for Foreign Applicants: An Often Overlooked Expense
Under Article 18 of the PRC Trademark Law, foreign applicants without a residency or a place of business in China are mandated to appoint a licensed trademark agency to process their applications via the CNIPA system. Instead, they must use a registered Chinese trademark agent to process their submission. The agent fees vary based on the level of service, the complexity of the application, and the number of categories being applied for. Agency fees are also the main expenses incurred by foreign applicants for registering Chinese trademarks
2.1 Agent Service Fees
Trademark agent fees typically depend on the service scope, complexity, and the number of categories involved. The following fees are based on the publicly available pricing from several agencies specializing in foreign services:
| Service Category | Fee Range (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Agent Service | $200–$500+ | For each class; larger applications often receive discounts for additional classes |
| Additional Goods/Services | $3–$7 | Extra charge for each additional item beyond the 10 included in one class |
| Trademark Search Report | $100–$150 | Recommended to reduce conflict risk |
| Translation | Dependent on the agency | AI translation has reduced costs, and many agencies no longer charge separately for translation |
2.2 Additional Costs
| Additional Fee | Fee (USD) | Service Description |
|---|---|---|
| Re-examination | $500–$800 | Depending on the complexity of the procedure |
| Opposition Response | $500–$800 | Depending on the complexity of the procedure |
3. Key Factors Influencing Trademark Registration Costs
Number of Classes
China follows the Nice Classification system, which covers 45 classes of goods and services. Each class requires a separate fee, so the more classes you register, the higher the total cost.
Trademark Search
A trademark search report can effectively help you avoid rejection or conflicts due to similar trademarks. Many foreign businesses opt to conduct a trademark search before submitting the application, which typically costs $100–$300.
Translation and Notarization
All documents must be translated into Chinese. These non-official costs increase registration expenses, especially for foreign applicants with no business entity in China.
4. Time vs Cost: The Relationship Between Examination Period and Expenses
The examination period for trademarks in China typically takes 6–12 months, or even longer. While the examination period doesn’t directly impact costs, understanding this timeline is crucial for effective budget planning.
5. Overall Budget Estimates: Costs by Different Scenarios
Based on the above fees, for foreign businesses, a common budget range for a single class application is $300–$800, depending on the number of classes and the agent service chosen. The following price calculation is an estimated value for your intuitive understanding. The final price shall be subject to the quotation from your agent
Basic Scenario (1 Class)
- Official Fees: $39
- Agent Fees: $200-$500
- Search Report: $100-$300 (optional)
Standard Scenario (2 Classes)
- Official Fees: $78
- Agent Fees: $400-$900
- Search Report: $150-$500
Complex Scenario (3+ Classes)
- Official Fees: $117+
- Agent Fees: $600-$1,500+
- Search Report: $200-$600+
- Potential discounts for multiple classes
6. Registration Costs at Each Stage of the Process
| Stage | Main Fees | Reason for Payment | Official Fees (RMB / USD) | Agent Fees (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation Stage | Application Fees + Agent Service Fees | Trademark search (optional), application fees (electronic submission), and document preparation and submission by the agent | ¥270 / $39 | $300–$500 per class |
| Formality Review | No additional fees | Formal review to check if the trademark meets submission requirements | ¥0 / $0 | ¥0 / $0 |
| Substantive Review | No additional fees | Substantive review to determine if the trademark meets registration conditions | ¥0 / $0 | ¥0 / $0 |
| Refusal Re-examination | Re-examination Fee | If the trademark is rejected and an appeal is filed, the re-examination fee is charged | ¥675 / $96 | $500–$800 |
| Opposition Period | Opposition/Objection Fee (if applicable) | If anyone opposes the trademark, opposition handling fees will arise | ¥450 / $65 (paid by opponent) | $500–$800 |
| Post-Registration Renewal | Renewal Fee | Renewal fee to be paid every 10 years | ¥450 / $65 | $200–$500 |
8. 2026 Budget Avoidance Guide: How CTMAA Can Save You 35% on Costs
“Prevention is better than cure”
Investing $100 in a search report could save you on re-examination fees later.
Strategic Filing
Apply for word and design marks separately. Although this may increase initial costs, if one element is rejected, the other can still be registered, ensuring timely brand protection.
Centralized Management
By entrusting CTMAA to manage multiple classes, you can typically receive a 35% discount on multi-class filings.
8.1 CTMAA’s Trademark Registration Costs Calculator
The price of registering a trademark in China mainly depends on the number of categories you choose. Please refer to the China Trademark Classification →
Pricing: $285 for the 1st class, $185 for each additional class.
Additional Services (Per Class)
Price Breakdown (USD)
8.2 Need a more favorable custom estimate?
Get a personalized quote based on your specific trademark classes and requirements.
Request a Formal Line-Item Quote from Our experts →8.3 About Your Estimated China Trademark Costs
The estimates provided by this trademark fee calculator are indexed to the latest 2026 CNIPA Fee Standards and current market service benchmarks. To ensure full budget transparency and legal compliance, please consider the following professional insights:
Statutory Basis & Representation
In accordance with Article 18 of the Trademark Law and Article 5 of its Implementing Regulations, the CNIPA electronic filing system is restricted to local entities; foreign applicants must be represented by a qualified domestic agent.. This is a statutory requirement to ensure procedural validity.
Official Disbursements vs. Service Fees
Your total investment consists of Official Fees (collected by the China National Intellectual Property Administration) and Professional Service Fees (covering subclass strategic planning, document preparation, and cross-border communication)
Contingent Expenses
While the calculator covers standard application costs, we recommend budgeting a contingency for Contingent Legal Expenses, such as responding to a Notice of Refusal or filing a Substantive Examination Appeal.
9. Common FAQ on China Trademark Costs 2026
What are the official costs for trademark registration in China?
The official application fee for electronic submission is ¥270 per class, which covers up to 10 items. Additional items incur extra charges.
What are the costs for a trademark agent in China?
Trademark agent fees typically range from $200–$500 per class, depending on the selected service and the agent’s pricing model.
How long does the trademark review process take in China?
The review process typically takes 6–12 months. If no opposition is filed, the trademark certificate can be issued within 12 months.
Will my fees be refunded if my application is rejected?
Official fees are non-refundable even if the trademark application is rejected. Therefore, conducting a pre-application search is highly recommended.
Do I need to register a trademark in every class that my products or services fall under?
Yes, each class in which you want trademark protection must be registered separately. It is advisable to identify all relevant classes during the initial registration to ensure comprehensive protection.
Are there any additional costs for trademark renewal in China?
Trademark renewal in China costs ¥450 ($65) for each class, which covers a 10-year renewal period. Additional charges may apply if the renewal process involves special circumstances, such as disputes or administrative corrections.
Can I apply for a trademark in China without a Chinese entity?
Yes, foreign applicants can register trademarks in China without a Chinese entity. However, they must use an accredited trademark agent to submit the application on their behalf.
How can I avoid unexpected costs during the trademark registration process?
To avoid unexpected costs, it’s essential to conduct a thorough trademark search beforehand, ensure proper classification of goods and services, and carefully follow up on any official notices or requests for additional information.
What happens if someone opposes my trademark during the announcement period?
If someone opposes your trademark during the announcement period, you will need to respond to the opposition. This may incur additional costs, including legal fees, administrative costs, and the cost of defending your trademark.
10. Conclusion: Establish Your Brand in China
Trademark registration is a marathon, not a sprint. Understanding the costs at every stage will make your international expansion plan more predictable.
Based on the trademark search results, obtain personalized recommendations for your 2026 China trademark registration strategy and costs.
📌 Part of China Trademark Encyclopedia
👉 China Trademark Encyclopedia – Complete Guide
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