CTMAA supports UK companies and individuals with the registration and protection of their trademarks in China, from trademark search and classification through to the official application and ongoing support.
Pricing, examination timeline and required documents in one clear overview.
Search, classify and apply through a straightforward online process.
Check whether your trademark is already registered in China or whether conflicts may exist.
Search Now →Identify the classes that match your products and services under the official Chinese classification.
Find Classes →We file your application with CNIPA and support the process through to registration.
Start Application →China trademark registration follows its own classification, filing and examination rules. We understand CNIPA requirements and guide you through every stage without language barriers.
We understand Chinese classification, examination procedure and CNIPA practice.
A dedicated contact supports your application from the first review through to registration.
Clear pricing and clearly defined services with no hidden fees.
From the first search through to registration, we support your trademark in China.
Selected China trademark matters for clients from different countries.
A simple, transparent process with no specialist knowledge required.
We check whether your trademark is available in China.
↓We identify the appropriate goods and services classes.
↓You provide your applicant information and documents online.
↓We file your trademark application officially in China.
↓You receive regular updates throughout the procedure.
We support your trademark from the first search through registration and beyond.
Whether you run a company or work independently, we support your China trademark registration.
Protect your trademark in China before selling products there or arranging manufacturing.
Register your trademark in China without needing an in-house China team.
Secure your brand if you sell, or plan to sell, through Chinese online marketplaces.
China trademark registration is typically the first step before entering the Chinese market, and we sincerely look forward to assisting you with it. We will also continue to provide services to help you connect with the Chinese market and familiarize you with its environment.
Answers to the questions UK applicants ask most often about China trademark registration.
In most cases, no.
For a standard Chinese trademark application filed by a foreign company, notarisation of the company documents is usually not required. The applicant must instead provide the evidence of identity and legal status required for a Chinese trademark filing.
Additional requirements can apply in special procedures or circumstances. We will confirm the documents needed for your specific case.
No.
UK and other foreign companies can apply for a Chinese trademark directly as the applicant without first establishing a company in China.
The application can be filed in the name of the actual brand owner, such as your UK company. The trademark rights therefore belong to the applicant, not to the Chinese agency.
Not necessarily, but it can be useful for brands with long-term business activity in China.
If your brand is used only under its English name, that name can be filed directly in China. If you also use a Chinese brand name in the market, it may be advisable to protect that name separately.
Registering the English name does not automatically provide protection for a separate Chinese name, so both may need their own applications.
The right approach depends on how the mark is actually used and your China business strategy.
Foreign applicants usually cannot monitor an application directly online in the same way as applicants based in China.
Opening the relevant CNIPA account may involve requirements such as a Chinese mobile number and certain identity or residency conditions in China.
Monitoring is therefore normally handled through the Chinese trademark representative. We track your application through our agency account and notify you of important developments.
A refusal does not automatically mean that your trademark cannot be protected in China.
The refusal must first be reviewed to identify the reason. Depending on the ground, it may be possible to request a review of the refusal.
Whether that is worthwhile depends on the refusal ground, any cited earlier marks, the mark itself and the evidence available.
We can review the refusal and advise you on the possible next steps.
A registered trademark should be used appropriately in the course of trade.
Under Chinese trademark law, a registered mark may be challenged if it has not been used for three consecutive years without a justified reason. A third party may apply for cancellation on the ground of non-use.
It is therefore advisable to retain evidence of genuine use, such as sales records, advertising, product packaging and other commercial materials.
Foreign companies generally must appoint a trademark representative authorised to act in China.
They usually cannot file and manage a Chinese trademark application in the same way as an applicant domiciled or established in China.
CTMAA supports international brand owners with preparing and filing their Chinese trademark applications and handling the procedure in China.
You can search the Chinese trademark databases for existing applications and registrations.
A search for the exact name alone is not always enough. Similar marks, the relevant goods or services and the applicable similar groups can also affect the risk assessment.
We therefore recommend a trademark search before filing a new Chinese application to identify earlier identical or similar marks.
Start your China trademark application and receive support from the first review through to registration.
Start Application →
