China Trademark Refused? What to Do and How the Appeal Works
About one in three China trademark applications hits a refusal. You have 15 days to file a review,…
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Trademark Registration
China trademark registration for foreign brands and sellers
Last updated: August 26, 2026
A single class costs $299 with the $39 CNIPA official fee shown separately. Search, filing, one office action response and English progress updates are included.
Why it matters
In China, the first to file wins the brand
China follows a first-to-file system. If someone else registers your name or logo first, they can block your sales, demand payment, or file complaints against your listings. Filing early is the only reliable defense.
- Required for brand registration on Chinese marketplaces
- The legal basis for stopping copycats at the source
- Renewable every 10 years, transferable, and enforceable in customs and courts
Plans
Three ways to register, one transparent price
The CNIPA official fee of $39 is listed separately on every quote.
Essential
$199 / class
Filing done right at the lowest price.
- Basic conflict check
- Filing with licensed agency
- Filing receipt shared with you
Standard
$299 / class
The plan most overseas brands choose.
- Full search report with risk rating
- Filing plus one office action response
- English progress updates at every stage
- Materials translation included
Brand Protection
$449 / class
Registration plus a year of watching over your brand.
- Everything in Standard
- 12 months of trademark monitoring
- Customs recordal guidance
- Priority support
Fee breakdown
What your quote actually contains
Every price is the official CNIPA fee plus our service fee, shown separately. Nothing is hidden.
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard plan — one class (example breakdown) | ||
| CNIPA official e-filing fee (1 class, up to 10 items) | $39 | Paid to CNIPA, itemized on your invoice. |
| Service fee (search, filing, translation, updates) | $260 | Standard plan service fee. |
| Total, Standard plan | $299 | No other charges. |
| When you need more than one class | ||
| Additional class | $199 / class | All-in price for each extra class. Its own $39 CNIPA fee and service are included — you simply add $199 to your quote. |
| Extra goods or services above 10 (per class) | $4 / item | CNIPA charge of 27 RMB for each item beyond the first 10 in the same class. |
| Trying more name or logo options | ||
| Additional search (after the 3 included) | $15 / search | Each search covers one name or logo option across the relevant classes. |
Timeline
What happens after we file
| Stage | Typical timing | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Filing | Day 0 | Licensed agency submits the application; you receive the application number. |
| Formal examination | About 1 month | CNIPA checks documents and issues the filing receipt. |
| Substantive examination | About 4 months | CNIPA checks for conflicts and grounds for refusal. A refusal can be answered once in Standard and Brand Protection plans. |
| Publication (opposition window) | 3 months | The mark is published for public review. Third parties can oppose it during this window. |
| Registration | About 8 months total | Certificate issued when no refusal or opposition blocks the application. |
| Refusal and re-examination | Only if refused — 8 to 12 months | If CNIPA refuses the mark, you can request re-examination within 15 days of the refusal notice. One response is included in Standard and Brand Protection plans; a full review is quoted separately. |
Materials
What you need to send us
Foreign individuals
- Color scan of your passport photo page
- Brand name, or high-resolution logo image
- Brief description of the mark (colors, fonts, design elements)
- Signed power of attorney (template provided)
Foreign companies
- Certificate of incorporation (scanned)
- Logo or wordmark in high resolution
- Brief description of the mark (colors, fonts, design elements)
- Power of attorney stamped or signed by the company
One class covers up to 10 goods or services; each extra item adds $4. No notarization or embassy legalization is required for standard filings. Translation is handled by our licensed partner.
After registration
Your trademark is granted. The real work starts now.
A certificate is the beginning of brand protection, not the end. These are the maintenance steps every owner should take.
Verify your certificate
- Check the owner name, address, mark and registered goods against your own records. Small errors are easier to fix right after grant.
Keep originals and copies
- You will need the certificate for customs recordal, marketplace brand registry and enforcement. Store the paper copy safely and keep a scan.
Use ® only on registered goods
- The ® symbol is protected only on the goods or services listed in your registration. Using it on unlisted products can weaken your position.
Keep proof of use
- A China trademark can be cancelled if it is not used for three consecutive years. Keep dated invoices, packaging and listing screenshots.
Update when details change
- If your company name or address changes, the trademark must be updated in the same way to stay enforceable.
Renew before it lapses
- Renew in the 12 months before expiry, with a 6-month grace period. Each renewal adds 10 years, as many times as you need.
Need help with renewals, changes, transfers or monitoring? These are available as add-ons with fixed prices — see our pricing page.
FAQ
Questions sellers ask us most
How long does a China trademark take?
CNIPA examines applications in about 4 months. When no refusal or opposition occurs, registration is typically completed in about 8 months from filing.
Can a foreign individual register a trademark in China?
Yes. Foreign individuals can register trademarks in China. They must file through a CNIPA-registered Chinese agency, which our licensed partners provide.
Do I need a Chinese trademark for Temu or Shein?
Marketplaces increasingly ask sellers for trademark evidence during brand registration and enforcement cases. A China trademark also lets you stop copycats from selling your branded goods inside China.
What is included in the $39 official fee?
The $39 (270 RMB) is the CNIPA e-filing fee for one class covering up to 10 goods or services. Every extra item above 10 adds 27 RMB (about $4).
How many trademark searches are included?
Every plan includes three searches — one per name or logo option you want checked before filing. If you want more options compared, each additional search is $15, quoted up front.
Can you guarantee my trademark will be approved?
No one can honestly guarantee approval. We reduce the risk with a full pre-filing search and one included office action response, and we give you an honest risk rating before you file.
What happens after my trademark is registered?
Your registration is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely. After grant, check the certificate details, use the ® symbol only on registered goods, keep proof of use, and update your registration when your company details change. We also offer monitoring, customs recordal, renewal and anti-squatting services to keep the brand safe after registration.
When should I renew my China trademark?
File the renewal within 12 months before the expiry date, with a 6-month grace period after expiry. Each renewal adds 10 years with no limit, so a well-used mark can stay protected indefinitely.
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Ready to protect your brand in China?
Send us a few details about your brand and we will reply with a clear quote and checklist within 24 hours.