Essential Guide to Trademarks in

China

Protecting Your Brand with Brealant’s Expertise

A Hassle-Free Registration Journey with Brealant

  • Contact

    Reach out to Brealant, your trusted trademark agent in China and experienced trademark attorney in China, to discuss your trademark needs.

  • Search

    Clearance search and risk commentary (absolute/relative)

  • Quote

    Strategy on distinctiveness and use evidence (if requested)

  • Pay

    Preparation and e‑filing (Nice Classification)

  • File

    Office action responses (absolute/relative grounds)

  • Wait

    Opposition handling and settlements (cooling‑off/coexistence)

  • Response

    Recordals (assignments, name/address changes) and renewals

Clear, Simple Steps to Secure Your Trademark

In China’s strict first-to-file system, success starts with a disciplined filing strategy. Brealant oversees every stage before CNIPA—from clearance searches and applications to oppositions, renewals, and enforcement—ensuring your brand remains fully protected.

A registered trademark grants you exclusive rights to stop competitors from using similar or confusingly close signs. With Brealant, the process is streamlined, strategic, and built for long-term security and trust in the Chinese market.

Safeguarding Your Trademark in

China

With Brealant by Your Side

Trademark registration in China is essential to safeguard your brand identity and assert legal rights in a highly competitive environment. Partnering with Brealant gives you not only protection but also professional representation to manage filings, oppositions, renewals, and disputes.

Our team helps you defend against imitation, preserve market share, and strengthen consumer confidence—transforming your trademark into a durable asset for growth across China.

What a Trademark Protects

A registered trademark in China protects various elements that identify and differentiate a brand.

The protection extends to:

Words

Unique brand names, slogans, and taglines.

Logos

Distinctive graphical elements representing the brand.

Colors

Unique color combinations closely associated with the brand.

Slogans or non‑traditional marks

Distinct sounds (when allowed under Chinese law) and scents uniquely related to the brand.

By partnering with IP experts in China, you can ensure your brand is safeguarded from infringement, maintain its integrity, and prevent customer confusion or loss of trust due to imitation.

Limitations

What Cannot Be Trademarked in

China

Certain elements cannot be trademarked under China law, including:

Generic terms

Common words or phrases that describe the product (e.g., "bread" for a bakery).

Descriptive words

Words that simply describe characteristics, quality, or location of goods (e.g., "fresh" or "China").

Offensive or scandalous material

Marks that contain offensive language or imagery.

Misleading terms

Words that could mislead consumers about the nature or quality of the goods or services.

Common surnames

A surname in common use unless proven to have become distinctly associated with a specific brand.

The Trade Marks Office evaluates applications to ensure that these non-registrable elements are not part of the proposed trademark.

Timeline for Trademark Registration in

China

The registration process for a trademark in China typically involves:

  • Application submission

    Opposition: 3 months from publication.

  • Examination

    First‑to‑file; strict formalities; Chinese‑language specs; relative/absolute grounds scrutiny; consider defensive filings.

  • Acceptance and publication

    Clean, unopposed cases commonly register within ~6–12 months (jurisdiction‑specific).

  • Registration

    If no opposition arises, the trademark is officially registered, with the certificate issued shortly after the opposition period concludes.

Typical Duration: A straightforward case takes about 9 to 12 months. Delays may occur if oppositions or objections are raised, but Brealant manages these efficiently on your behalf.

Understanding Trademark Costs in

China


Simplified with Brealant

The cost of trademark registration in China depends on the number of classes and the complexity of your application. Brealant ensures transparent pricing so you know exactly what to expect.

Official Filing Fees

Set by CNIPA, charged per class of goods or services. We confirm current tariffs at the time of filing.

Professional fees

When using the services of a trademark agent or attorney in China, there may be additional fees for their assistance in the search, application, and examination stages.

Registering through us is more than paying a fee—it’s securing your brand’s future with experienced representation, long‑term protection, and portfolio care across China.

Continued Trademark Protection in 

China


Supported by Brealant

Once registered, a trademark can be actively monitored and enforced to ensure others are not using similar marks that may confuse customers. Businesses often partner with IP professionals to monitor potential infringements, maintain renewal timelines, and manage licensing agreements.

By securing a trademark, a business protects its brand and strengthens its market position, building a reliable, recognizable presence in the China market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a trademark mean in China?

In China, a trademark is a legally recognized sign, symbol, word, or phrase that associates and differentiates a company's goods or services from others.

What is the difference between copyright and trademark in China?

Copyright protects original works like art and music, while a trademark protects brand identifiers like logos and names that distinguish products or services in the market.

How long is a trademark valid in China?

A registered trademark in China is valid for 10 years, with the option to renew perpetually in 10-year increments.

What can't be trademarked in China?

China trademark laws dictate that generic, purely descriptive, offensive, or misleading terms and common surnames cannot be trademarked.

How much does it cost to renew a trademark in China?

The renewal fee for a trademark in China is typically around $400 AUD per class if renewed online.

Blogs and Resources

Discover more insights and stay informed about the latest in intellectual property with Brealant's blog. From expert advice on trademark registration and patent protection to strategies for safeguarding your brand in a competitive market, our resources are here to empower your business. .

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