China follows first-to-file: between two similar applications, the earlier one goes forward. CNIPA also examines by subclass and treats a Chinese-character name as a separate trademark. This guide shows the steps, the government fees, and what changes on 1 January 2027.
We check CNIPA's register for earlier trademarks in your subclasses, in Latin letters and in Chinese characters. We also help you settle the Chinese-character version of your name.
2
Our Experienced Attorneys File
Our experienced attorneys file your application with CNIPA online and in Chinese. If you first filed the same trademark abroad in the last six months, the application can claim priority, which keeps that earlier date.
3
Examination and Publication
CNIPA examines the application against the law and against earlier trademarks. If it passes, CNIPA publishes it so that others can oppose.
4
Registration and the E-Certificate
With no opposition, CNIPA registers the trademark and issues an electronic certificate. The registration lasts 10 years from the registration date.
What is different here
Six Facts About Filing in China
The Earlier Application Goes Forward
China follows first-to-file, supplemented by first-to-use. When two owners apply for a similar trademark on similar goods, CNIPA moves the earlier application forward; on the same day, the earlier user.
Subclasses Inside Every Class
CNIPA divides each of the 45 classes into groups of similar goods and services. Items in different groups are in principle not similar, so the items you list decide what your registration blocks.
A Chinese Name Is a Separate Trademark
A registration protects the trademark as filed. A Chinese-character version of your name needs its own application, with its own government fee.
CNIPA Checks Earlier Trademarks Itself
CNIPA refuses an application that is identical or similar to an earlier trademark on the same or similar goods. You have 15 days from the notice to ask for a review.
Foreign Owners File Through an Agency
An owner with no residence or place of business in China must file through a Chinese trademark agency. Our China service covers this rule: our experienced attorneys file for you.
Use It Within Three Years
A registration not used for three years in a row, with no valid reason, can be canceled at anyone's request. A request can be filed once three years have passed since the registration notice.
Timeline
What Happens, and When
The usual path, with no objection and no opposition.
Filing day
Filed
The day CNIPA receives the application becomes your filing date.
Months 1 to 4
Examination
CNIPA's average examination time is about four months; the legal limit is nine.
Months 5 to 7
Publication
Others have three months to oppose, or two months for a trademark published from 1 January 2027.
After month 7
Registered
With no opposition, CNIPA registers the trademark and issues an electronic certificate.
Every 10 years
Renewal and Use
Renew in the 12 months before expiry, and keep dated proof that the trademark is in use.
What it costs
Government Fees at CNIPA
Step
Government fee
Note
Application, one class
CNY 270
Online filing, up to 10 items. CNY 300 on paper.
Each further class
CNY 270
The same fee for every class.
Each item beyond 10 in a class
CNY 27
CNY 30 on paper.
Renewal, per class
CNY 450
Every 10 years. CNY 500 on paper. In the six-month grace period, add CNY 225 (CNY 250 on paper).
A revised Trademark Law, adopted on 26 June 2026, takes effect on 1 January 2027. The opposition period falls from three months to two, moving signs can be registered as trademarks, and CNIPA can cancel a trademark unused for three years on its own initiative. The rule that foreign owners file through a Chinese trademark agency stays. An application filed today will most likely be published after that date, so plan for a two-month opposition period.
Only in limited ways. If two owners apply on the same day, CNIPA moves the earlier user's application forward. An owner who used a trademark with a certain influence before the other side filed can keep using it within the original scope. CNIPA also refuses an application made in bad faith with no intent to use.
CNIPA divides each class of the Nice Classification into groups of similar goods and services, often called subclasses. In most cases items in the same group are treated as similar, and items in different groups are not. An application lists specific items, not class headings, and the registration covers only the items listed.
CNIPA sends a written refusal with its reasons. The owner has 15 days from receiving it to ask for a review, and the review decision is due within nine months, which can be extended by three. If only some goods are refused, the accepted part can be split off within the same 15 days and move on to publication.
