China Trademark Registration Guide: Process, Fees, Docs & Timeline
Step-by-step guide on how to register trademark in China. Official partner with high success rate. Start your China Trademark registration today!
china trademark registration process: step-by-step guide
step1: Design Requirements for Chinese Trademarks
1. Main types of trademarks
The most common types of trademarks are mainly the following three, and their processes and prices for trademark registration in China are basically the same. However, graphic trademarks are relatively complex in the search process. Typically, some service providers charge more for the search of graphic trademarks than for text trademarks. Of course, there are also other less common types, such as 3D trademarks and sound trademarks.
- Word mark: A word mark is represented using words, letters, numbers or any other characters that can be typed.
- Figurative mark: A figurative mark is represented using pictures, graphics or images; a figurative mark does not contain words or letters.
- Figurative mark containing word elements: A figurative mark containing word elements combines the use of pictures, graphics or images with words or letters.
2. Chinese Trademark Registration Prohibited Words
- Absolute and Superlative Terms
- “Most” series: Best, optimal, greatest, largest, highest, lowest, most advanced, latest technology, etc.
- “First” series: First, No.1, TOP1, national first, only one, last wave, etc.
- False or Exaggerated Claims
- False terms: Ancestral recipe, secret formula, 100% pure natural, special effect, etc.
- Exaggerated terms: Powerful, quick effect, miraculous, universal, invincible, permanent, unprecedented, etc.
- Misleading Authority References
- State-related terms: National level, international level, world-class, state leader recommended, etc.
- Quality claims: Quality exempt from inspection, no national quality testing required, etc.
- Generic or Descriptive Terms
- Generic names: Common product names (e.g., “mobile phone” for electronics)
- Descriptive terms: Direct descriptions of product features or materials (e.g., “sweet” for candy)
Step2: Choosing Correct Classes in China
1. How to Choose Your Trademark Classification
Four Strategies to Choose Correct Classes
Follow this proven methodology to select the perfect classes for your China trademark
Core Business Mapping
Match your products/services to China’s classification system using our industry-specific guide.
Industry Examples:
Competitor Analysis
Research what classes your competitors registered in China. This reveals industry standards and potential gaps.
- Visit China Trademark Office database ( how to Visit )
- Search competitor names
- Analyze their class coverage
Future Business Planning
Protect classes for your planned business expansion in China. Failure to do this leads to costly buybacks later.
Warning: An American fashion brand paid $120,000 to reclaim Class 18 (leather goods) after expanding into China.
2. Understanding China’s Trademark Class System
Why Proper Class Selection Matters
37% of trademark applications in China get rejected due to incorrect class selection. Learn how to avoid becoming a statistic.
China’s Unique Classification System
China uses the NICE Classification but with critical local adaptations. Understanding these differences is crucial for successful registration. Comprehensive Guide to China Trademark Sub-Class Selection
- 45 classes (same as international)
- 392 subclasses (China-specific additions)
- Special e-commerce class (Class 35)
- Traditional medicine subclasses (Class 44)
Top Classes for Foreign Brands
Based on 5,000+ successful registrations for international clients:
High-Rejection Classes
These classes have the highest rejection rates in China:
China Trademark Registration: Goods and Services Classification and Application Guide
Comprehensive Guide to China Trademark Sub-Class Selection
Step3: Conducting a trademark search in the China Trademark Database
1. How to Conduct a Chinese Trademark Search
The main channels for Chinese trademark searches are two: conducting inquiries through the official website of the China Trademark Administration (https://sbj.cnipa.gov.cn/sbj/sbcx/) and entrusting professional trademark registration agents to perform specialized searches. Note: Most other channels merely provide a search box and offering some simple search results is meaningless, if not harmful.
Self-Search Guide on the CNIPA Website
Preliminary Screening Phase: Conduct free basic searches via the China Trademark Online System to pinpoint core classification categories
Deep-Depth Search: Engage authorized agencies to perform cross-category retrieval, mitigating risks posed by the blind search period (4-6 months post-filing)
2. Why Conduct a Trademark Search Before Trademark Registration
Through trademark search, it can be determined whether identical or highly similar registered trademarks already exist in the same or related goods/service categories. If conflicting trademarks are identified, the application will be rejected, thereby avoiding financial and time losses. As a relatively crucial and highly specialized phase within China’s trademark registration process, comprehensive trademark search enables the formulation of effective registration strategies that significantly improve approval rates through systematic analysis of search results
- Legal Imperative: Avoiding Official Rejection.
- Commercial Protection: Preventing Costly Infringement
- Time Efficiency: Saving 12-18 Months
- Brand Integrity: Preventing Consumer Confusion
Step4: Apply for China trademark registration with the Trademark Office of CNIPA
1. Documents Required for Trademark Registration in China
The documents required for registering trademark in China are actually not very many, merely the following items:
- Individual Application: Passport
- Corporate Application: Certificate of Incorporation
- Brand Sample
- Power Of Attorney
- Name & Address
2. How to formally submit a Chinese trademark registration application to the CNIPA
Article 18 of the 《Trademark Law of the People’s Republic of China》：“Foreigners or foreign enterprises applying for trademark registration or handling other trademark matters in China shall entrust a legally established trademark agency to handle such matters.“ So, you shall entrust a legally established trademark agency to handle such matters
china trademark registration agency
An intellectual property service team in Shanghai, China, providing concise and efficient Chinese trademark registration services
Account Registration
- Access China Trademark Net
Visit sbj.cnipa.gov.cn → Click “Trademark Online Application” → Select “Register Now”. - Complete Registration
- Enter username/mobile number/email
- Perform identity verification (requires installing a digital certificate driver).
Submit Application
After login:
- Select Service
Choose “Trademark Registration Application”. - Fill Application Step-by-Step
- Homepage Options: Application type, language, etc.5.
- Applicant Information: Must match exactly with Business License details.
- Trademark Statement: Explain design significance or intended use.
- Goods/Services Classification: Select classes per Nice Classification (Similar Goods and Services Classification Table).
- Upload color-scanned materials (PDF) and trademark image.
Beijing Trademark Office Hall
- Address:
No. 1 Chama South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing - Operating Hours:
Business Days: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM - Required Materials:
- Paper application form
- Original Business License/ID Card
- Trademark specimen(s)
Local Acceptance Windows
- Scope:
Application windows established by Market Supervision Bureaus across China (e.g., Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen). - Procedure:
- Check local acceptance points via CNIPA’s Official PortalMandatory prior appointment required (book online or via hotline)
Step5: Monitoring Your China Trademark Status
After submitting the registration application to the China Trademark Administration, a receipt is typically received on the second business day, marking the beginning of the examination process. Our trademark registration will undergo the following stages
1.China Trademark registration Examination timeline
From Examination
-1~2 Month
Upon submission, the application enters the formality examination phase. This primarily verifies the completeness of documents and compliance with formatting requirements. Once passed, the Trademark Registration Acceptance Notification will be issued, typically within approximately one month。Upon passing the formal examination, you will receive a notice of payment, and you need to complete the payment within 7 days
Substantive examination
-3~5 Months
CNIPA will conduct a comprehensive examination of the trademark’s distinctiveness, compliance with prohibition clauses, and potential conflicts with prior rights. If the mark passes preliminary review, the Trademark Registration Preliminary Approval Announcement Notice will be issued, concurrently initiating the preliminary announcement phase. This examination process typically takes approximately 3-5 months.
If the trademark application is rejected, the applicant must file a review petition to the Trademark Review and Adjudication Board (TRAB) within 15 days from receipt of the驳回通知书 (Rejection Notice). Failure to meet this deadline results in forfeiture of all appeal rights.
Publication
-3 Months
If the trademark passes substantive examination, it proceeds to the preliminary approval announcement phase. During the announcement period (generally three months), any third party may file an opposition against the published trademark.
certificate
-1 Month
Upon receipt of the Trademark Registration Certificate issued by CNIPA, the ® symbol may be used, indicating that the trademark has been formally registered and enjoys exclusive rights protected by law.
China trademark registration requires documents
If there is no Chinese version of the material, we can also handle it for you
Individual Application
Submit passport color scan (resolution ≥300dpi), non-Chinese information requires translation, signed/stamped
Corporate Application
Provide scanned company registration certificate (e.g., Certificate of Incorporation) with Chinese translation, signed/stamped
Brand sample
Size 5×5cm to 10×10cm; color marks require both color and B&W versions, B&W marks only need B&W version
Power of Attorney
Original signed/stamped “Trademark Agency Authorization Letter” with clear agent authority; foreign applicants must appoint a China-filed agency
China Trademark registration pricing
Cost-Effective Trademark Package
Additional Classes: $185 per class
$10 per item beyond the initial 10 items per class
China Trademark Search
Transparent Itemized Pricing
| Fee Item | Govt Fee (USD) | Registration Services Fee (USD) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| china Trademark Registration | 50 (one class up & up to 10 goods/services) | 230（one class up & up to 10 goods/services) | Additional 10 USD per extra item beyond 10 |
| china TRademark search | — | 100 (one class) | Trademark availability and similarity conflict screening |
| Reissue Registration Certificate | 80 | 120 | Includes lost declaration announcement |
| Trademark Assignment | 80 | 200 | Ownership transfer procedure |
| Trademark Renewal | 80 | 180 | Every 10 years |
| Late Renewal Surcharge | 40 | 30 | Grace period (6 months after expiry) |
| Review of Refusal | 120 | 400 | For rejected applications |
| Trademark Opposition | 80 | 360 | Objection to |
How to Choose China Trademark Registration Services
Choose our China trademark registration services for an exceptionally smooth and stress-free experience
china Trademark registration search
Before formally submitting the application, screen for the availability of the trademark and potential similarity conflicts to reduce registration risks
china Trademark registration application – Fast-Track
China Trademark Registration Package
Feel free to contact us, if you have any questions
Tips for China Trademark Registration
Here is a systematic, comprehensive set of tips for foreign enterprises or individuals seeking to register trademark in China
Pre-Application Strategy & Preparation
The Application & Examination Process
Post-Registration Protection & Management
Critical Considerations for Foreign Applicants
Why Choose Our China trademark Registration Service
Protect Your Brand in China | High Success Rate | Fast & Affordable
We Get Your China Trademark Registered smoothly and promptly
With 2,000+ successful cases, our China-based trademark team delivers compliant, efficient, and responsible IP solutions. Clients choose us for:.
Recent client feedback:
“I truly appreciate the clarity, responsiveness, and professionalism of your service — it’s the best experience I’ve had with any trademark agency so far.”-Andrii