Chinese trademark registrations are valid for 10 years from the date of registration. Renewing on time keeps your rights continuous, and in China's first-to-file system that matters more than in most countries: a lapsed trademark can be re-filed by anyone, and the new owner would hold the earlier date.
This guide covers the complete renewal process, deadlines, costs, and strategies for maintaining continuous protection.
Pro tip: Our trademark renewal service tracks the deadline, files with CNIPA through our in-house attorneys, and confirms the new expiry date back to you.
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
- International registrations through WIPO's Madrid System (the Madrid Protocol) that cover China
- Renewed registrations (each renewal extends protection for another 10 years)
Renewal Windows
| Period | Timing | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Advance renewal | 12 months before expiration | Standard renewal fee, per class |
| Grace period | 6 months after expiration | Renewal fee plus a late surcharge, per class |
| After grace period | More than 6 months after expiration | Registration expires and must be re-filed |
Critical Dates Example
For a trademark registered on March 15, 2017:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 15, 2026 | Advance renewal window opens (12 months before) |
| March 15, 2027 | Registration expiration date |
| September 15, 2027 | Grace period ends; registration lost if not renewed |
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 trademark agent (for foreign owners)
- Registration certificate: copy of the current certificate
- Fee payment: the per-class renewal fee (plus the late surcharge if in the grace period)
Step 3: File With CNIPA
Renewal applications are filed through:
- CNIPA's online filing system
- A licensed Chinese trademark agent
- For international registrations that cover China, WIPO's renewal system
Step 4: Receive Renewal Certificate
CNIPA typically processes renewals within 1-2 months and issues an electronic renewal certificate confirming the new expiration date.
Costs and Fees
| Fee Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| CNIPA renewal fee | Charged per class. The current amount is on the CNIPA fee schedule; our renewal service page shows the Total, with our professional fee included. |
| Late renewal surcharge | Added per class during the 6-month grace period only |
| Professional fee | Separate from the government fee; included in a GTC renewal |
| WIPO international registration renewal | Paid to WIPO in Swiss francs: a basic fee per international registration plus a fee for each country it covers (not per class) |
Cost Comparison: Renewal vs Re-Filing
| Scenario | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Timely renewal | Renewal fee per class | 1-2 months |
| Grace period renewal | Renewal fee plus surcharge per class | 1-2 months |
| Re-filing after expiration | About ¥270 per class (up to 10 items) plus the professional fee | 9-12 months, with a gap in protection |
Re-filing after expiration costs more than renewing and leaves a gap in protection during which a third party could file for your trademark.
Renewing a WIPO International Registration
For trademarks registered in China through WIPO's Madrid System, the renewal process differs:
- Renewals are filed through WIPO, not directly with CNIPA
- WIPO charges a basic renewal fee for the international registration plus a fee for each country it covers, so the China portion is one amount for the country, not a per-class amount
- The renewal extends the international registration, including its protection in China
- 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"?
| Accepted as Use | Not Accepted as Use |
|---|---|
| Sales of goods/services bearing the trademark in China | Token use solely to maintain registration |
| Advertising and promotion in China | Use only outside China |
| Exhibition at Chinese trade shows | Internal company documents |
| Online sales to Chinese consumers | Preparatory activities without actual commerce |
| Licensing the trademark for use in China | Assignment without actual use |
Protecting Against Non-Use Cancellation
- Maintain evidence of use: keep records of sales, advertising, and marketing in China
- Use the trademark as registered: variations may not count as use of the registered trademark
- Use in all registered sub-classes: use in one sub-class doesn't protect registration in another
- License properly: ensure licenses are recorded with CNIPA
- 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 trademarks: do you have Chinese versions registered?
- Defensive registrations: are your defensive filings still strategically valuable?
- Unused registrations: consider whether unused registrations are worth renewing (they are vulnerable to cancellation anyway)
Our China country guide summarizes the filing rules if the review turns up gaps you want to close with new applications.
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 Your Global Portfolio
For businesses with trademarks in several countries and regions, coordinate China renewals with your global portfolio management to ensure continuous worldwide protection.
The GTC Advantage for China Trademark Renewals
GTC provides 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 renewals and WIPO international registration renewals
- Non-use risk assessment: evaluation of vulnerability to cancellation actions
- China trademark services: end-to-end portfolio management
Keep Your China Registration Current
Check your expiry dates now and file in the 12-month advance window. Our trademark renewal services handle deadline tracking, the CNIPA or WIPO filing, and confirmation, and if you are also planning new China filings, start with a free trademark check for the new trademark.
This guide reflects CNIPA renewal procedures current as of 2026. Trademark law and practice are subject to change; consult a qualified trademark professional for advice specific to your situation.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Chinese trademark registration valid?
Chinese trademark registrations are valid for 10 years from the date of registration approval. Registrations can be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year periods by filing a renewal application and paying the renewal fee.
When can I file for renewal?
You can file for renewal during the 12-month window before the expiration date. If you miss this window, you have a 6-month grace period after expiration, with a late surcharge added per class.
What happens if I miss the renewal deadline entirely?
If you do not renew within both the 12-month advance window and the 6-month grace period, the registration expires permanently. You would need to file a completely new application (government fee about ¥270 per class), which takes 9-12 months and leaves a gap in which someone else could file for the trademark.
How much does it cost to renew a Chinese trademark?
CNIPA charges a renewal fee per class, with a surcharge on top if you file in the grace period. Our professional fee is additional. See the CNIPA fee schedule for the current government fees, and our renewal service page for the Total.
Can someone cancel my trademark for non-use?
Yes. Under Chinese trademark law, any party can request cancellation of a trademark that has not been genuinely used for 3 consecutive years. The burden of proof falls on the trademark owner to demonstrate use.
Do I need to renew through a Chinese agent?
Foreign trademark owners must use a licensed Chinese trademark agent for renewal filings, as required by Article 18 of the Trademark Law. For WIPO international registrations, renewal is filed through WIPO instead.
