How to File a Trademark in China (CNIPA)
China is first-to-file — whoever files first owns the mark, regardless of who used it first. File early or risk losing your brand.
Trademark squatting is endemic in China. Manufacturers, distributors, and third parties who see your brand at a trade show, on Kickstarter, or in factory communications can register it before you. Recovery costs $5,000–$20,000 and takes 2–4 years. Filing costs $300–$500 per class.
- Search CNIPA database (sbj.cnipa.gov.cn) for existing marks
- Instruct a Chinese trademark agent (foreign applicants cannot file directly)
- Prepare Chinese-language version of your brand name if applicable
File in Chinese characters too. If your brand can be transliterated or translated into Chinese, file both the English and Chinese versions — otherwise someone else will file the Chinese version.
- Agent files application with Chinese-language forms
- Select Nice classes AND specific subclasses (China uses subclass system)
- Pay government fee: ~RMB 270–300/class ($40–$45) + agent fees ($200–$400)
- File both English and Chinese character versions of the mark
- CNIPA examination: ~6–9 months
- Opposition period: 3 months after publication
- If no opposition: registration certificate issued
- Monitor for squatters filing similar marks in related subclasses
Waiting Until You "Need" China
By the time you need Chinese trademark protection — because you're manufacturing there or selling there — it's often too late. Someone has already registered your mark. File preemptively as soon as your brand name is chosen.
Filing Only in English
Chinese consumers use the Chinese version of your brand name. If you only register the English mark, someone else can register the Chinese translation or transliteration and own that version of your brand in China.
Ignoring the Subclass System
China's subclass system means protection is limited to the specific subclasses you designate — not the entire Nice class. Your agent must advise on which subclasses to cover for comprehensive protection.
Your Chinese Trademark Is Filed.
You've taken the critical first step in protecting your brand in the world's largest manufacturing market. Monitor for squatter filings and consider filing a Chinese utility model if you're sharing product designs with manufacturers.