--- title: "China Trademark Refusals: Responding to CNIPA | GTC" description: "How to respond to CNIPA trademark refusals in China. Covers absolute and relative grounds for refusal, TRAB review procedures, appeal to Beijing IP Court..." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Global Trademark Company LLC", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com", "logo": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/gtc-logo.svg", "description": "Multi-practice IP and business legal firm. Trademarks in 100+ jurisdictions, patents in 10 + PCT, copyrights under Berne. Operating since 2016.", "foundingDate": "2016", "sameAs": [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/globaltrademarkcompany/", "https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co" ], "contactPoint": [ { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+1-510-973-4964", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "US", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+44-7453-347853", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "GB", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+91-6397-329955", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "IN", "availableLanguage": [ "English", "Hindi" ] } ], "address": [ { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "712 H Street NE, Suite 2094", "addressLocality": "Washington", "addressRegion": "DC", "postalCode": "20002", "addressCountry": "US" }, { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "YSC Complex, 4th floor, A-400, 12 Ajit Singh House, Sri Aurobindo Marg", "addressLocality": "New Delhi", "addressRegion": "Delhi", "postalCode": "110016", "addressCountry": "IN" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "headline": "China Trademark Examination and Refusals: How to Respond to CNIPA Objections", "description": "How to respond to CNIPA trademark refusals in China. Covers absolute and relative grounds for refusal, TRAB review procedures, appeal to Beijing IP Court...", "image": "https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/application-files/blog/china-trademark-examination-refusals.jpg?t=1780411447749", "datePublished": "2026-01-02T10:00:00+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-06-21T15:53:49.676957+00:00", "inLanguage": "en-US", "isAccessibleForFree": true, "articleSection": "legal", "keywords": "CNIPA trademark refusal, china trademark examination, TRAB review, china trademark objection, respond CNIPA refusal, trademark examination china", "wordCount": 1572, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Zaman Zaidi", "jobTitle": "Founder & Attorney", "image": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/team/zaman.jpg", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/team/zaman-zaidi" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Global Trademark Company LLC", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/gtc-logo.svg" } }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/blog/china-trademark-examination-refusals" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Blog", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/blog" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "China Trademark Examination and Refusals: How to Respond to CNIPA Objections", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/blog/china-trademark-examination-refusals" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long do I have to respond to a CNIPA refusal?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You have **15 days** from receiving the refusal notification to file a review request with the Trademark Review and Adjudication Board (TRAB). This is a strict deadline with no extensions, so prompt action is essential." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the success rate for TRAB reviews?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Success rates vary significantly depending on the grounds for refusal and the strength of your arguments. Reviews based on **mark differentiation** from cited marks tend to have higher success rates than those challenging absolute grounds refusals. Professional representation significantly improves outcomes." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I still use my trademark in China while the review is pending?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In most cases, yes — you can use an unregistered trademark in China. However, you cannot prevent others from using similar marks without a registration, and you cannot enforce trademark rights through customs or the courts without a registered mark." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What happens if TRAB upholds the refusal?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You can appeal the TRAB decision to the **Beijing Intellectual Property Court** within 30 days. If the court also upholds the refusal, further appeals are possible to the Beijing Higher People's Court and, in limited cases, the Supreme People's Court." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I file a non-use cancellation against the blocking mark?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, if the cited mark has been registered for **3 or more years** and the owner cannot prove genuine use in China for the registered goods/services. This is a common and often effective strategy for clearing obstacles." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is a partial refusal?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A partial refusal occurs when CNIPA approves your mark for some goods/services but refuses it for others (typically where a conflict exists in specific sub-classes). You can accept the partial approval and request TRAB review only for the refused portion. ---" } } ] } ] --- [](/) - Trademarks - Patents - Copyrights - Data Privacy - Business Legal - [Pricing](/pricing) - Resources Sign inEN · USD Sign in 1. [Home](/) 2. / 3. [Blog](/blog) 4. / 5. China Trademark Examination and Refusals: How to Respond to CNIPA Objections [Back to Blog](/blog) legal # China Trademark Examination and Refusals: How to Respond to CNIPA Objections ![Zaman Zaidi](/team/zaman.jpg)Zaman Zaidi · Founder & International Trademark Attorney January 2, 2026 14 min read Share Last updated: June 21, 2026 ![China Trademark Examination and Refusals: How to Respond to CNIPA Objections](https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/application-files/blog/china-trademark-examination-refusals.jpg?width=1200&quality=80&resize=contain&t=1780411447749) In this article [The CNIPA Examination Process](#the-cnipa-examination-process)[Absolute Grounds for Refusal](#absolute-grounds-for-refusal)[Relative Grounds for Refusal](#relative-grounds-for-refusal)[Receiving a Refusal Notification](#receiving-a-refusal-notification)[TRAB Review Process](#trab-review-process)[Appeal to Beijing IP Court](#appeal-to-beijing-ip-court)[Strategic Considerations](#strategic-considerations)[The GTC Advantage for CNIPA Refusals](#the-gtc-advantage-for-cnipa-refusals)[Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions)[Next Steps](#next-steps) ## China Trademark Examination and Refusals: How to Respond to CNIPA Objections After filing a trademark application with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), your mark undergoes a **substantive examination** that typically takes approximately **9 months**. During this examination, CNIPA may issue a **refusal notification** if it determines the mark fails to meet registration requirements. Understanding the grounds for refusal and the review process is essential for protecting your filing investment. > **Pro tip:** Before filing, reduce refusal risk with a [free trademark check](/free-trademark-check) to identify potential obstacles early. ## The CNIPA Examination Process ### Formal Examination (约1个月) Within approximately **one month** of filing, CNIPA conducts a formal examination to verify: - Application completeness and proper format - Correct classification and sub-class selection - Payment of required fees (CNY 270 per class) - Proper agent authorization (for [foreign applicants](/blog/filing-chinese-trademark-from-outside-china)) If formal deficiencies are found, CNIPA issues a **correction notice** with a deadline to remedy. ### Substantive Examination (约9个月) The substantive examination evaluates the mark against both **absolute grounds** (inherent registrability) and **relative grounds** (conflicts with prior rights). ## Absolute Grounds for Refusal CNIPA may refuse registration on the following absolute grounds under the Trademark Law: ### Article 10: Prohibited Marks Marks that **cannot be registered or used** as trademarks: - National flags, emblems, or anthem of China or foreign countries - Names of international organizations (Red Cross, Olympics, etc.) - Geographic terms for goods indicating origin (unless acquired distinctiveness) - Marks that are **discriminatory** against any nationality - Marks that are **deceptive** regarding quality, origin, or characteristics - Marks **detrimental to socialist morality** or public interest ### Article 11: Non-Distinctive Marks Marks that **lack distinctiveness** and cannot function as trademarks: - **Generic terms** — common names for the goods/services - **Descriptive marks** — directly describing quality, ingredients, function, use, weight, or quantity - **Other non-distinctive marks** — simple geometric shapes, single letters/numbers, common patterns Note: Descriptive marks may be registered if they have **acquired distinctiveness** through use (Article 11, paragraph 2). ### Article 12: 3D Mark Restrictions Three-dimensional marks that consist exclusively of: - The shape of the goods themselves - The shape necessary to achieve a technical result - The shape giving substantial value to the goods ## Relative Grounds for Refusal Relative grounds involve conflicts with **prior rights**, primarily earlier trademark registrations or applications: ### Article 30: Conflict with Prior Marks The most common ground for refusal. CNIPA will refuse registration if the mark is **identical or similar** to a prior registered or pending mark for **identical or similar goods/services**. Similarity is assessed within the [sub-class system](/blog/china-trademark-search-cnipa-database), considering: - **Visual similarity** — overall appearance comparison - **Phonetic similarity** — pronunciation in Mandarin - **Conceptual similarity** — meaning and associations ### Article 13: Well-Known Mark Protection Well-known marks (驰名商标) receive **cross-class protection** — they can block registrations even in different classes if the later mark would: - Mislead the public - Damage the interests of the well-known mark owner ### Article 15: Agent/Representative Bad Faith Refusal where an **agent or representative** of the trademark owner attempts to register the mark in their own name without authorization. ### Article 32: Prior Rights and Bad Faith Refusal where the applicant: - Infringes **prior rights** of others (copyright, design patent, trade name, etc.) - Registers in **bad faith** a mark that another party has already used and gained certain influence ## Receiving a Refusal Notification When CNIPA refuses an application, it issues a **Notification of Refusal** (驳回通知书) containing: - The specific legal grounds for refusal - Cited prior marks (for relative grounds refusals) - The examiner's reasoning - Deadline for filing a review request ### Partial Refusal CNIPA may issue a **partial refusal**, approving the mark for some goods/services while refusing it for others. In this case: - The approved portion proceeds to publication - You can request review of only the refused portion ## TRAB Review Process If you disagree with CNIPA's refusal, you can request review before the **Trademark Review and Adjudication Board (TRAB)**. ### Filing the Review Request Requirement Details **Deadline** **15 days** from receiving the refusal notification **Filing with** TRAB (Trademark Review and Adjudication Board) **Government fee** CNY 750 per review request **Required documents** Review petition, evidence, power of attorney **Timeline** TRAB should issue a decision within **9 months** (extendable to 12 months) ### Building Your TRAB Review Arguments Effective TRAB review strategies include: **For Absolute Grounds Refusals:** - **Acquired distinctiveness** — evidence of extensive use and consumer recognition in China - **Distinctiveness arguments** — explaining how the mark functions as a source identifier - **Precedent** — similar marks approved by CNIPA in the same or related classes **For Relative Grounds Refusals:** - **Mark differentiation** — arguing sufficient visual, phonetic, or conceptual differences - **Goods/services differentiation** — arguing the goods/services are in different sub-classes or channels of trade - **Prior mark vulnerability** — if the cited mark is subject to non-use cancellation (3+ years of non-use) - **Coexistence evidence** — evidence of peaceful coexistence in other jurisdictions - **Consent agreements** — written consent from the cited mark owner ### TRAB Decision TRAB will either: - **Approve the mark** — it proceeds to publication and the 3-month [opposition period](/blog/china-trademark-opposition-cnipa) - **Uphold the refusal** — the mark is refused ## Appeal to Beijing IP Court If TRAB upholds the refusal, you can appeal to the **Beijing Intellectual Property Court** within **30 days** of receiving the TRAB decision. ### Court Appeal Process Stage Timeline Filing the appeal Within 30 days of TRAB decision Court hearing Typically 6-12 months after filing Court decision Within statutory deadlines Further appeal Beijing Higher People's Court Final appeal Supreme People's Court (limited cases) Court appeals involve additional costs and complexity but can be worthwhile for high-value marks where TRAB review was unsuccessful. ## Strategic Considerations ### Concurrent Non-Use Cancellation If the blocking mark has been registered for **3 or more years** without use, you can file a **non-use cancellation action** simultaneously with your TRAB review. If the cancellation succeeds, the obstacle to your registration is removed. ### Refiling Strategy In some cases, it may be more efficient to: - **Modify the mark** to create sufficient distinction from cited marks - **Narrow the goods/services** to avoid the specific sub-classes where conflicts exist - **File a new application** with a modified mark while the review is pending ### Evidence Collection Start collecting evidence of use in China early: - Sales invoices to Chinese customers - Chinese advertising and marketing materials - Exhibition participation in China - Online presence targeting Chinese consumers - Media coverage in Chinese publications ## The GTC Advantage for CNIPA Refusals Global Trademark Company provides expert [office action response services](/services/office-action-response) for CNIPA refusals, including: - Detailed analysis of refusal grounds and success probability - TRAB review petition drafting and evidence compilation - Concurrent non-use cancellation strategy - Coordination with Chinese trademark agents - Court appeal support where justified - [China trademark registration](/services/china-trademark) end-to-end management ## Next Steps Received a CNIPA refusal? Don't let the 15-day deadline pass without action. Contact our team for a rapid assessment of your options, or start with a [free trademark check](/free-trademark-check) if you're planning a new filing and want to minimize refusal risk. \*This guide reflects CNIPA examination procedures and TRAB review processes current as of 2026. Trademark law and practice are subject to change; consult a qualified trademark professional for advice specific to your situation.\* ### Need help with your trademark? Get a free trademark check from our specialists, no obligation. Respond to CNIPA Refusals Or [learn more about this service →](/services/china-trademark) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How long do I have to respond to a CNIPA refusal? ### What is the success rate for TRAB reviews? ### Can I still use my trademark in China while the review is pending? ### What happens if TRAB upholds the refusal? ### Can I file a non-use cancellation against the blocking mark? ### What is a partial refusal? ### Ready to get started? Our trademark specialists can help you with every step of the process. [Respond to CNIPA Refusals](/services/china-trademark) ![Zaman Zaidi](/team/zaman.jpg) Zaman Zaidi Founder & International Trademark Attorney china trademark-examination cnipa refusal trab ## Related Articles [ ![Curious Case File: How FIFA and PUMA Both Lost “World Cup 2022” in Switzerland—and What That Teaches Non‑Sponsors for 2026](https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/application-files/blog/pipeline/fd0ef27f-8c5b-4631-9cbf-c0173ad9a79b.jpg?width=400&quality=75&resize=contain&t=1781216891979) ### Curious Case File: How FIFA and PUMA Both Lost “World Cup 2022” in Switzerland—and What That Teaches Non‑Sponsors for 2026 Jun 11, 2026 ](/blog/curious-case-file-how-fifa-and-puma-both-lost-world-cup-2022-in-switzerland-and-what-that-teaches-non-sponsors-for-2026)[ ![Shopify IP Takedown Enforcement 2026](https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/application-files/blog/shopify-ip-takedown-enforcement-2026.jpg?width=400&quality=75&resize=contain&t=1780326604659) ### Shopify IP Takedown Enforcement 2026 Apr 25, 2026 ](/blog/shopify-ip-takedown-enforcement-2026)[ ![eBay Marketplace IP Takedown 2026](https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/application-files/blog/ebay-marketplace-ip-takedown-2026.jpg?width=400&quality=75&resize=contain&t=1780326610950) ### eBay Marketplace IP Takedown 2026 Apr 23, 2026 ](/blog/ebay-marketplace-ip-takedown-2026) ## Site footer ![Global Trademark Company](/assets/gtc-logo-white-DQ8YcvVd.svg) Secure Every Step of Your Growth Trusted by brands since 2016 [hello@globaltrademarkcompany.com ](mailto:hello@globaltrademarkcompany.com) [](https://www.linkedin.com/company/globaltrademarkcompany/) [+1 510-973-4964 (US & International) ](tel:+15109734964)[+44 7453 347853 (UK & EU) ](tel:+447453347853)[+91 6397-329955 (India) ](tel:+916397329955) ### Company - 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