Brand work
Turn a registrable sign into an asset: filing, portfolio, disputes and operations.
- House-mark filing
- Portfolio layout
- Brand disputes
- Brand operations
Trademarks
A trademark is the legal ID of a brand. Filing is one track — house marks, infringement opinions and overseas routes should follow the business stage.
China trademarks
Nice Classification has 45 classes. Search and class strategy before you file.
- Advice and search
- Licence recordal and replacement certificates
- Watch reports
- Internal trademark rules
- Filing / change / renewal / assignment
- Opposition, invalidation, defence, non-use cancellation, appeal against refusal
- Administrative litigation
- Negotiation and contracts
- Retained counsel
Infringement opinions
Decide whether a conflicting sign infringes and which procedure to use.
- Infringement disputes
- Managed trademark dockets
- Strategy
- Opposition / invalidation / defence
- Refusal / non-registration / cancellation reviews
- Ownership litigation
- Local key-trademark lists where the project sits
- Well-known mark recognition
Foreign trademarks
Madrid, national filings, EU trade marks or African regional systems (OAPI / ARIPO).
- Foreign search
- Global watch
- Madrid international registration
- National / Greater China / EU / Africa
- Foreign filing, renewal, change, assignment, licence and customs recordal
- Refusal appeals
- Opposition, cancellation, invalidation
- Administrative / civil cases
- Anti-squatting
- Raids
- Dispute resolution
How we work
Search and strategy
Similar-mark risk, class choice, and China vs overseas routes.
Documents and filing
POA, identity papers, drawing and the application.
Examination
Office letters, publication and the opposition window.
Registration and upkeep
Certificate, renewals, use evidence and licence recordals.
What we need from you
- Applicant identity (certificate of incorporation / passport)
- Mark drawing and goods/services list
- Power of attorney (POA)
- Priority documents if Paris Convention priority is claimed
Timing
A straightforward China application is often about 4–9 months to preliminary publication (official queue). Amendments, refusals or oppositions add time.
FAQ
What can be registered as a trademark?
A sign that distinguishes one trader’s goods or services. Words, devices, letters, numerals, 3D signs, colour combinations, sounds and combinations may be filed if they are distinctive and do not collide with earlier rights.
Do we have to register?
Registration is how you get exclusive rights in China. Without it others may use the same trading dress; a later squatter may force a rebrand. Licensing, assignment and pledges also need a registration.
Is a search required?
Not as a legal formality, but it is required in practice. CNIPA will not tell you in advance whether the mark is clear. A search cuts the chance of a refusal.
What are the 45 Nice classes?
Nice Classification divides goods and services into 45 classes. Protection is class-based. Cover the core business first, then related classes; young companies often start with 3–5 classes.
Word-plus-device: one application or two?
Usually two. A combined mark is cheaper as one fee but fails if either element is refused, and must be used as filed. Separate word and device filings can be used alone or together.
How long does a China trademark take?
About 7–9 months if clean: filing number, formalities (~1 month), substantive examination (~4–6 months), then a 3-month publication. No opposition → registration certificate.
The application was refused. What is an appeal against refusal?
A refusal is not always final. You typically have 15 days from receipt to file an appeal against refusal at CNIPA, with evidence of use or distinctiveness. Missing the window abandons the file.
TM vs ®
TM means the application is pending — not an exclusive right. ® means the mark is registered in China and can be enforced in the designated goods/services.
How long does a registration last?
10 years from the registration date, renewable. Use the mark as registered. Three years of non-use can support a cancellation attack.
Does a China mark protect us worldwide?
No. Rights are territorial. A China mark covers mainland China, not Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan. File nationally or via Madrid for other markets.
Related cases
Madrid designations for export markets
Madrid designations were added on top of a China basic registration.