China IP Enforcement & Brand Protection

A squatter registered your brand? A seller copied your listings or photos on Tmall, Douyin or Pinduoduo? China is first-to-file, so rights must be actively enforced. Use the free tool to see whether you qualify for a platform takedown, then follow the routes, portals, fees and timelines below.

Platform Takedown Eligibility Checker
Pick the platform and the rights you hold — get the official portal, evidence list, processing time and, if you don't qualify yet, the fastest way to obtain standing.

Open the free tool →

Choose the right enforcement route

Trademark Opposition (异议)

Attack a squatter while the mark is still in its publication window.

Window: 3 months of preliminary-approval publication (2 months from 1 Jan 2027) · ~12 months to decision

Invalidation (无效宣告)

Remove a mark already registered, on bad-faith / earlier-right / absolute grounds.

Relative grounds within 5 years; absolute grounds any time · ~12–18 months

Non-Use Cancellation (撤三)

Often the cheapest way to clear a squatter who never used the mark.

Available after 3 consecutive years of non-use in China · ~9–12 months

Platform Takedown

Delete infringing listings via each marketplace's IP portal.

Free; 3–14 days; needs a Chinese trademark or copyright certificate

Customs Recordal

Have counterfeits detained automatically at ports (incoming and outgoing).

Free to record; valid 10 years; ~1 month to set up

Buy-back / Assignment

Negotiate transfer of a squatted mark when attacking is slower or costlier.

Fast but price varies; record the assignment with CNIPA after deal

Official platform IP portals

Platform	Portal	Typical speed
Tmall / Taobao / 1688	ipp.alibabagroup.com	3–7 days
Douyin / TikTok Shop China	Douyin IP protection platform	5–10 days
Pinduoduo	Pinduoduo IP complaint platform	7–14 days
JD.com	JD IP protection platform	7–14 days
Amazon (cross-border)	Brand Registry → Report a Violation	1–7 days once enrolled

You generally need a registered China trademark for brand misuse, or a copyright certificate for stolen images/photos/copy. File one complaint per infringing link, keep ticket numbers, and re-file weekly against repeat sellers.

Fees & timelines at a glance

Action	Official fee (online / paper)	Timeline
Opposition	CNY 450 / 500 per class	~12 months
Invalidation	CNY 675 / 750	~12–18 months
Non-use cancellation	CNY 450 / 500	~9–12 months
Platform takedown	Free (portal)	3–14 days
Customs recordal	Free	~1 month

Agency professional fees are separate; confirm official fees against the current CNIPA notice.

Not sure which route applies to your case?

Tell us the squatter's status (in publication, registered, how long, used or not) and we'll map the cheapest winning route.

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