🇨🇳 China · Trademark & IP
Trademark registration, patents, copyright, official IP offices, and filing costs.
Quick answer
Chinese trademarks are registered with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). China is strictly first-to-file, so registering early is essential. You search the register, file under the Chinese sub-class system, and after examination the mark publishes for a three-month opposition period. A Chinese trademark lasts 10 years and is renewable.
Trademarks, patents and designs are administered by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). China is a first-to-file jurisdiction for trademarks.
- Trademarks, patents and designs are filed with CNIPA.
- Because trademark rights follow first-to-file, early registration is important.
- International protection can be extended via WIPO's Madrid (trademarks) and PCT (patents) systems.
Step-by-step
- 1
Register early (first-to-file)
China grants rights to the first to file, not the first to use — file before entering the market to avoid trademark squatting.
- 2
Search and classify
Search the CNIPA register and file under the Chinese sub-class system — sub-class choices strongly affect the scope of protection.
- 3
Examination and publication
CNIPA examines the application and, if it passes, publishes it for a three-month opposition period.
- 4
Registration and renewal
Once registered, a Chinese trademark lasts 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely for further 10-year terms.
- 5
Cover patents, designs and copyright
Protect inventions and appearance with CNIPA patents (including design patents); copyright arises on creation but can be registered with the Copyright Protection Centre.
- 6
Enforce and go international
Enforce through administrative action or the courts, record marks with Customs against counterfeits, and use the Madrid Protocol abroad.
Checklist
- File early (first-to-file system)
- CNIPA search + Chinese sub-class selection
- Examination + 3-month opposition
- Registration (10 years) + renewal
- Patents/design patents (CNIPA)
- Copyright registration (optional, CPCC)
- Customs recordal against counterfeits
- Madrid Protocol for international
Official authorities
- China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA)
Trademarks, patents and designs.
Frequently asked questions
Why register a trademark early in China?
China is first-to-file: whoever files first generally gets the rights, so squatters can register your brand before you unless you file early.
What is the sub-class system?
China divides each Nice class into sub-classes; protection is effectively decided by sub-class, so careful selection is critical to cover your goods.
How long does a Chinese trademark last?
Ten years from registration, renewable indefinitely for further 10-year terms.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- China Government Portal — State Council official portal — policy releases, public services, and government documents
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs — China's foreign policy and consular services — passport, visa, and consular protection info
- National Immigration Administration — Visas, permanent residency, and border control for foreigners entering China
- State Taxation Administration — Personal income tax filing, business tax registration, and VAT invoice verification