China Trademark Renewal: CNIPA Deadlines, Costs, and Maintaining Protection

China Trademark Renewal: CNIPA Deadlines, Costs, and Maintaining Protection

Chinese trademark registrations are valid for 10 years from the date of registration. Renewal is essential to maintain your rights — and in China's first-to-file system, losing a registration through failure to renew can be catastrophic, as a third party could immediately re-file your mark.

This guide covers the complete renewal process, deadlines, costs, and strategies for maintaining continuous protection.

Pro tip: Not sure about the status of your China trademark portfolio? Start with a free trademark check to review your registrations and upcoming deadlines.

Validity Period and Renewal Timeline

10-Year Registration Period

Under the Trademark Law of the PRC, trademark registrations are valid for 10 years from the date of approval of registration (not the filing date). This applies to:

• Direct CNIPA registrations
• Madrid Protocol designations in China
• Renewed registrations (each renewal extends protection for another 10 years)

Renewal Windows

Critical Dates Example

For a mark registered on March 15, 2016:

The Renewal Process

Step 1: Verify Registration Details

Before filing for renewal, confirm:

• Registration number and current status
• Registered goods/services and sub-classes
• Current owner information (must match the renewal application)
• Any recorded assignments or changes that need updating

Step 2: Prepare the Renewal Application

A renewal application requires:

• Renewal application form — standard CNIPA form
• Power of attorney — authorizing the Chinese agent (for foreign applicants)
• Registration certificate — copy of the current certificate
• Fee payment — CNY 500 per class (plus CNY 250 late fee if in grace period)

Step 3: File with CNIPA

Renewal applications are filed through:

• CNIPA's online filing system
• A licensed Chinese trademark agent
• For Madrid designations, through WIPO's renewal system

Step 4: Receive Renewal Certificate

CNIPA typically processes renewals within 1-2 months and issues a renewal certificate confirming the new expiration date.

Costs and Fees

Cost Comparison: Renewal vs Re-Filing

Re-filing after expiration is not only more expensive — it also leaves a gap in protection during which a third party could file for your mark.

Madrid Protocol Renewals

For trademarks registered in China through the Madrid Protocol, the renewal process differs:

• Renewals are filed through WIPO, not directly with CNIPA
• WIPO charges its own renewal fees (CHF 653 per class)
• The renewal extends the international registration, including the China designation
• Processing time may be longer than direct CNIPA renewals

Non-Use Cancellation Risk

China's Trademark Law allows any party to request cancellation of a trademark that has not been genuinely used for 3 consecutive years (commonly called a "3-year non-use cancellation").

What Constitutes "Genuine Use"?

Protecting Against Non-Use Cancellation

1. Maintain evidence of use — keep records of sales, advertising, and marketing in China
2. Use the mark as registered — variations may not count as use of the registered mark
3. Use in all registered sub-classes — use in one sub-class doesn't protect registration in another
4. License properly — ensure licenses are recorded with CNIPA
5. Consider trademark monitoring — detect cancellation actions early

Strategic Renewal Considerations

Portfolio Review at Renewal Time

Renewal is an opportunity to review and optimize your China trademark portfolio:

• Coverage gaps — have your business activities expanded into new sub-classes?
• Chinese character marks — do you have Chinese versions registered?
• Defensive registrations — are your defensive filings still strategically valuable?
• Unused registrations — consider whether non-used registrations are worth renewing (they're vulnerable to cancellation anyway)

Sub-Class Updates

CNIPA periodically updates its sub-class classification. At renewal time, verify that your registered sub-classes still cover your current goods/services. If the classification has changed, you may need to file new applications for expanded coverage.

Coordinating with Global Portfolio

For businesses with trademarks in multiple jurisdictions, coordinate China renewals with your global portfolio management to ensure continuous worldwide protection.

The GTC Advantage for China Trademark Renewals

Global Trademark Company provides comprehensive trademark renewal services including:

• Deadline tracking — automated monitoring of all renewal deadlines
• Portfolio review — strategic assessment of coverage at renewal time
• Renewal filing — direct CNIPA and Madrid Protocol renewal processing
• Non-use risk assessment — evaluation of vulnerability to cancellation actions
• China trademark services — end-to-end portfolio management

Next Steps

Don't let your China trademark protection lapse — in a first-to-file jurisdiction, re-acquiring lost rights can be extremely difficult and expensive. Check your portfolio status with a free trademark check and ensure your renewals are on track with our trademark renewal services.

*This guide reflects CNIPA renewal procedures and fees current as of 2026. Trademark law and practice are subject to change; consult a qualified trademark professional for advice specific to your situation.*