Office action and refusal
China trademark office action and refusal response
Last updated: October 23, 2026
A correction notice and a refusal are different decisions with different deadlines. Send the CNIPA notice as soon as it arrives so we can identify the procedure, preserve the deadline and quote the correct response.
Direct answer
Correction notice or refusal: what happens next
A correction notice usually asks for a document, signature or acceptable wording for the goods list. These procedural fixes are handled on every ChinaIPMark registration plan at no extra cost. A refusal decides the application. Challenging it normally requires a re-examination filed within 15 days of receiving the notice and is a separate, quoted service.
Price
Refusal response from $899
Timing
15-day refusal review window
You receive
Deadline review, recommendation and filing of the agreed response
Best for
Applicants who received a CNIPA notice or final refusal and need a fast English assessment
Scope
What this China trademark service includes
Clear scope prevents surprise fees and keeps the work focused on the result you need.
Included
- A review of the notice, cited marks and applicable deadline
- A plain-English assessment of the available arguments and evidence
- A written scope and quote before the response proceeding starts
- Preparation and filing of the agreed response through a licensed agency
Not included
- Court litigation after an administrative decision
- New trademark applications, which are quoted separately
- Evidence collection that requires field investigations or notarization
Process
How the service works
Classify the notice
We determine whether it is a procedural correction, a partial refusal or a full refusal and confirm the deadline.
Assess the case
We compare the cited marks or grounds, identify realistic arguments and advise whether the response is worth the cost.
Quote and file
You approve the written scope and quote before the response is prepared and filed through the licensed agency.
What to send
Information we need to assess the case
- The complete CNIPA notice and any attachment
- The application number, filing date and goods or services
- Earlier rights, registrations or priority documents
- Evidence of use, sales, advertising or brand recognition if available
FAQ
Office action and refusal questions, answered
How long do I have to respond to a China trademark refusal?
A refusal review is normally filed within 15 days of receiving the refusal notice. The exact deadline must be confirmed from the notice and service details immediately.
Can a China trademark office action be filed before refusal?
CNIPA does not normally invite the applicant to argue the mark first in the way some other offices do. A pre-decision notice usually asks for documents or clarification. A refusal is a final decision that must be challenged through the correct procedure.
What does a refusal response cost?
Refusal responses start at $899. The final professional fee depends on the grounds, cited marks and evidence. Official charges are itemized in the quote and work begins only after approval.
What arguments can overturn a refusal?
It depends on the stated ground. Relative-ground cases may turn on the similarity of signs, goods, subclasses or prior rights. Absolute-ground cases may require distinctiveness, acquired recognition or another strategy.
Can I file a new application instead of responding?
Yes, but the choice depends on the deadline, the mark, the goods list and what is blocking the application. A new filing receives a new date and may face the same obstacle, so compare both routes before deciding.
What happens after the refusal review?
CNIPA reviews the arguments and evidence and issues a new decision. If the outcome remains adverse, court proceedings may be available but require separate Chinese litigation counsel.
Related services
Keep the China IP work connected
Need help with office action and refusal?
Send the brand, registration or CNIPA notice and we will confirm the practical next step in English.