--- title: "China Trademark Renewal: CNIPA Deadlines & Costs | GTC" description: "Guide to China trademark renewal through CNIPA. Covers 10-year validity, 12-month advance renewal window, 6-month grace period, CNY 500 fee, and non-use ca..." 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 Renewal: CNIPA Deadlines, Costs, and Maintaining Protection", "description": "Guide to China trademark renewal through CNIPA. Covers 10-year validity, 12-month advance renewal window, 6-month grace period, CNY 500 fee, and non-use ca...", "image": "https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/application-files/blog/china-trademark-renewal-cnipa.jpg?t=1780326927941", "datePublished": "2025-12-08T10:00:00+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-06-21T15:53:49.676957+00:00", "inLanguage": "en-US", "isAccessibleForFree": true, "articleSection": "guides", "keywords": "china trademark renewal, CNIPA renewal, renew trademark china, china trademark maintenance, trademark renewal cost china, non-use cancellation china", "wordCount": 1372, "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-renewal-cnipa" } }, { "@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 Renewal: CNIPA Deadlines, Costs, and Maintaining Protection", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/blog/china-trademark-renewal-cnipa" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long is a Chinese trademark registration valid?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When can I file for renewal?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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, but a late fee of CNY 250 per class applies." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What happens if I miss the renewal deadline entirely?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If you fail to 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, which takes 9-12 months and carries the risk that someone else may file for the mark in the meantime." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does it cost to renew a Chinese trademark?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The CNIPA government fee is **CNY 500 per class** (approximately $70 USD). If filed during the grace period, an additional late fee of **CNY 250 per class** applies. Professional agent fees are additional." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can someone cancel my trademark for non-use?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "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." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need to renew through a Chinese agent?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Foreign trademark owners must use a licensed **Chinese trademark agent** for renewal filings, as required by Article 18 of the Trademark Law. For Madrid Protocol registrations, renewal is filed through WIPO instead. ---" } } ] } ] --- [](/) - 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 Renewal: CNIPA Deadlines, Costs, and Maintaining Protection [Back to Blog](/blog) guides # China Trademark Renewal: CNIPA Deadlines, Costs, and Maintaining Protection ![Zaman Zaidi](/team/zaman.jpg)Zaman Zaidi · Founder & International Trademark Attorney December 8, 2025 12 min read Share Last updated: June 21, 2026 ![China Trademark Renewal: CNIPA Deadlines, Costs, and Maintaining Protection](https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/application-files/blog/china-trademark-renewal-cnipa.jpg?width=1200&quality=80&resize=contain&t=1780326927941) In this article [Validity Period and Renewal Timeline](#validity-period-and-renewal-timeline)[The Renewal Process](#the-renewal-process)[Costs and Fees](#costs-and-fees)[Madrid Protocol Renewals](#madrid-protocol-renewals)[Non-Use Cancellation Risk](#non-use-cancellation-risk)[Strategic Renewal Considerations](#strategic-renewal-considerations)[The GTC Advantage for China Trademark Renewals](#the-gtc-advantage-for-china-trademark-renewals)[Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions)[Next Steps](#next-steps) ## 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](/blog/china-first-to-file-trademark-strategy), 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](/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 Period Timing Fee **Advance renewal** 12 months before expiration CNY 500/class **Grace period** 6 months after expiration CNY 500/class + CNY 250 late fee **After grace period** More than 6 months after expiration Registration expires — must re-file ### Critical Dates Example For a mark registered on **March 15, 2016**: Date Event March 15, 2025 Advance renewal window opens (12 months before) **March 15, 2026** **Registration expiration date** September 15, 2026 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 agent (for [foreign applicants](/blog/filing-chinese-trademark-from-outside-china)) - **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 Fee Type Amount Notes CNIPA renewal fee CNY 500/class (~$70 USD) Standard fee per class Late renewal surcharge CNY 250/class (~$35 USD) During 6-month grace period only Agent fees $200-500 USD Varies by agent Madrid renewal CHF 653/class Processed through WIPO ### Cost Comparison: Renewal vs Re-Filing Scenario Cost Timeline Timely renewal CNY 500/class 1-2 months Grace period renewal CNY 750/class 1-2 months Re-filing after expiration CNY 270/class + agent fees 9-12 months 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"? Accepted as Use Not Accepted as Use Sales of goods/services bearing the mark 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 mark for use in China Assignment without actual 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](/services/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](/services/international-trademark), 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](/services/trademark-renewal) 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](/services/china-trademark)** — 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](/free-trademark-check) and ensure your renewals are on track with our [trademark renewal services](/services/trademark-renewal). \*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.\* ### Need help with your trademark? Get a free trademark check from our specialists, no obligation. Renew Your China Trademark Or [learn more about this service →](/services/china-trademark) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How long is a Chinese trademark registration valid? ### When can I file for renewal? ### What happens if I miss the renewal deadline entirely? ### How much does it cost to renew a Chinese trademark? ### Can someone cancel my trademark for non-use? ### Do I need to renew through a Chinese agent? ### Ready to get started? Our trademark specialists can help you with every step of the process. [Renew Your China Trademark](/services/china-trademark) ![Zaman Zaidi](/team/zaman.jpg) Zaman Zaidi Founder & International Trademark Attorney china trademark-renewal cnipa maintenance non-use-cancellation ## Related Articles [ ![Trademark Searches: Beyond Google – Comprehensive Tools and Best Practices](https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/application-files/blog/pipeline/9358f640-cc7c-49d6-9d70-aafc78f3a270.jpg?width=400&quality=75&resize=contain&t=1780479747214) ### Trademark Searches: Beyond Google – Comprehensive Tools and Best Practices Jun 6, 2026 ](/blog/trademark-searches-beyond-google-comprehensive-tools-and-best-practices)[ ![EU PCT National Phase: 2026 UPC Impact](https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/application-files/blog/eu-pct-national-phase-upc-2026.jpg?width=400&quality=75&resize=contain&t=1780326641627) ### EU PCT National Phase: 2026 UPC Impact Apr 24, 2026 ](/blog/eu-pct-national-phase-upc-2026)[ ![Japan Amazon Brand Registry: Trademark Requirements 2026](https://zbdppqwokjgncujmplfm.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/application-files/blog/japan-amazon-brand-registry-trademark-2026.jpg?width=400&quality=75&resize=contain&t=1780411398351) ### Japan Amazon Brand Registry: Trademark Requirements 2026 Apr 20, 2026 ](/blog/japan-amazon-brand-registry-trademark-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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