Terms and Conditions

1. Scope

These Terms and Conditions apply to the use of this website and to the services relating to Chinese trademarks provided by Global IP Alliance (Shanghai) Technology Co., Ltd. ("CTMAA", "we" or "us").

The customer or user is referred to below as the "Customer" or "you".

Additional quotations, order confirmations or separate agreements may apply to individual services. In the event of contradictions between an individual agreement and these Terms and Conditions, the individual agreement shall prevail for the relevant order.

2. Services

Depending on the order, CTMAA may in particular offer the following services:

• trademark searches in China
• preliminary risk assessments
• support in selecting goods and services
• classification support
• preparation of trademark application documents
• translation of documents
• filing of Chinese trademark applications
• monitoring of application status
• information on key procedural steps
• management of trademark cases and documents
• support with further trademark proceedings

The specific scope of services shall be governed by the relevant order, quotation and order confirmation.

3. Trademark searches and risk assessments

A trademark search is intended to identify existing identical or similar trademarks and to enable a better assessment of possible risks before filing.

The result of a trademark search or risk assessment does not constitute a guarantee of successful registration of a trademark. The final decision on a Chinese trademark application shall be made by the competent Chinese trademark authority in accordance with the applicable legal provisions and examination standards.

4. Customer cooperation

The Customer undertakes to provide all information and documents required for the performance of the commissioned services completely and correctly. This applies in particular to:

• details of the applicant
• details of the trademark
• goods and services
• company documents
• other information required for the relevant application

The Customer is responsible for the accuracy of the information provided by the Customer.

5. Preparation and filing

After confirmation of the required details and receipt of the agreed payment, we shall prepare the trademark application in accordance with the order and file it through the prescribed Chinese procedures.

After filing, the competent Chinese trademark authority may require supplements, declarations or further documents.

6. Additional proceedings

A refusal of a trademark application, an opposition, an appeal or a revocation procedure for non-use shall in principle constitute a separate proceeding. Such proceedings are not part of a normal trademark registration service unless expressly agreed otherwise.

Additional services are in principle offered separately and shall only be carried out after the relevant commission has been placed.

7. Prices and payment

The applicable prices shall be those set out in the prices published on the website, individual quotations or order confirmations.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, additional proceedings or services are not included in the normal registration fee. Before additional chargeable services are provided, we shall in principle inform the Customer of the relevant costs.

Payment shall be made using the payment methods specified on the website or in the quotation. Processing of an order may depend on the required information, documents and the agreed payment being provided in full.

8. Processing and procedural times

The duration of a Chinese trademark procedure depends on the competent Chinese trademark authority and the circumstances of the relevant case.

Processing or procedural times stated by CTMAA are in principle indicative and do not constitute a guarantee of a specific registration date.

9. Monitoring of the procedure

For trademark applications handled through CTMAA, we shall monitor the procedural status through the relevant Chinese agency channels.

We shall inform the Customer of key procedural steps and relevant updates. The Customer is responsible for providing a working email address and for checking received communications in good time.

10. Official decisions

Chinese trademark applications are subject to examination by the competent Chinese authorities. CTMAA has no influence over:

• official decisions
• official processing times
• changes to statutory or official requirements
• technical failures of government systems
• acts or claims of third parties

To the extent permitted by law, CTMAA accepts no responsibility for consequences arising solely from such circumstances.

11. Content and rights

All content on this website, including texts, graphics, designs, software, databases and other content, is, unless stated otherwise, the property of CTMAA or the relevant rights holders.

Reproduction, adaptation, distribution or commercial use without the relevant permission is not permitted.

12. User accounts

If you create a user account, you are responsible for keeping your access details confidential. If you suspect unauthorised access, you should inform us without delay.

13. Availability of the website

We endeavour to ensure reliable operation of the website and our online services. However, availability at all times, uninterrupted and error-free, cannot be guaranteed. Maintenance work, technical updates or other necessary measures may temporarily lead to restrictions.

14. Liability

To the extent permitted by law, CTMAA shall not be liable for damage or disadvantages arising solely from the following circumstances:

• decisions of the competent Chinese authorities
• acts or claims of third parties
• changes to official processing times
• incorrect or incomplete details provided by the Customer
• technical failures outside our reasonable control
• other events outside our reasonable control

Mandatory statutory liability claims shall remain unaffected.

15. Applicable law

Unless mandatory statutory provisions conflict, the contractual relationship shall be governed by the law specified in the relevant individual agreement. Mandatory consumer protection provisions applicable to consumers habitually resident in the United Kingdom shall remain unaffected.

16. Changes to the Terms and Conditions

We may amend these Terms and Conditions where this is necessary due to legal, technical or business developments. The current version shall be published on this website and provided with the relevant date.