Registering Your Trademark in China: What You Need to Know

Tuesday, 15 April 2025

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China is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies. With a GDP of 134,908.4 billion yuan in 2024 and a rapidly expanding middle class now exceeding 400 million, the country’s market is driving demand across diverse sectors, from technology and manufacturing to luxury goods and services.

As China’s role in the global economy continues to grow and its consumer market expands, registering your trademark in China has never been more important. Whether you’re a global brand or a business represented by an Indonesia IP Consultant, protecting your intellectual property in this jurisdiction is a strategic move.

Routes to Register a Trademark in China

There are two primary ways to obtain trademark registration in China, each with unique advantages:

National Application:
Filed through the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), this method takes approximately 12 months. It includes a Chinese language certificate, making it easier to enforce rights domestically. However, it’s limited to standard names and subclasses under the Nice Classification.
International Application (via WIPO):
Involves designating China in a Madrid Protocol application. This route follows the Nice Classification with no restriction on product/service descriptions but can take 18+ months. A Chinese language certificate must be requested separately from CNIPA.

For foreign companies with no business presence in China, a legally registered trademark agency in China is required to file an application. A wholly owned branch or representative office is not considered sufficient domicile.

If you’re working with a trusted IP law firm in Indonesia, such as Am Badar & Am Badar, they can assist in navigating both routes and coordinate with Chinese counterparts for seamless registration.

Who Can File?

Foreign nationals residing in China can file directly—either online or at the registration hall. Required documents include:

Application form
Trademark design
Valid identity documents (e.g. foreign resident permit)

Trademark Application Stages

1. Examination

Every trademark application undergoes a formal and substantive examination within nine months. If compliant, it moves to preliminary approval.

In case of rejection, the applicant receives written notification. An appeal can be filed with the Trademark Review and Adjudication Board (TRAB) within 15 days. TRAB issues a decision within nine months (extendable by three months). If still dissatisfied, the applicant may take legal action in a people’s court within 30 days—something your litigation lawyer in Jakarta Indonesia can help assess for consistency with international IP strategy.

2. Publication for Opposition

If approved, the trademark enters a three-month opposition period. If no objections are raised, CNIPA proceeds to register and issue the certificate.

Should an objection be filed, both parties submit arguments. CNIPA makes a final decision within 12 months, extendable by six months. The written outcome is delivered to both sides.

3. Registration

Once approved, a certificate is issued, and the trademark is publicly announced. The registration is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely. Renewal requests must be submitted within six months prior to expiration, with an additional six-month grace period available.

Failure to renew results in cancellation. A reliable Indonesia patent search partner can help you track your portfolio timelines, especially if you’re managing IP in multiple countries.

Why It Matters

In an increasingly competitive and litigious environment, protecting your intellectual property in China is critical. China’s size, growth, and manufacturing dominance mean that trademark theft or brand misuse can lead to significant losses. Companies working with an experienced Patent Law Firm Indonesia can better mitigate these risks by securing rights proactively.

Additionally, if your trademark is misused, registering it allows for legal recourse, including trademark litigation, seizure of counterfeit goods, and more—measures that align with global enforcement strategies led by your Indonesia copyright law firm.

Final Thoughts

Registering your trademark in China isn’t just a legal formality—it’s a key step in building brand value and ensuring market protection. For companies seeking guidance, our team at Am Badar & Am Badar—a leading IP law firm in Indonesia—offers tailored solutions.

Reach out to us at ambadar@ambadar.co.id for assistance with: