China Trademark Registration — FAQ
The questions foreign brands and cross-border sellers actually ask. Maintained by Huaqing Innovation (Huaqing IP), a CNIPA-recorded agency.
How much does it cost to register a trademark in China?
The CNIPA official fee is
CNY 270 per class online (covers the first 10 goods/services items; CNY 27 for each extra item), or CNY 300 on paper. Foreign applicants must use a CNIPA-recorded agent; typical all-in agency cost is about
USD 80–200 per class.
Calculate your exact fee →Do foreigners need a Chinese trademark agent?
Yes. Foreign applicants without a residence or business office in China must file through a trademark agency recorded with CNIPA, and all correspondence (including refusals and oppositions) is handled in Chinese.
How long does China trademark registration take?
In a smooth case about
6–9 months: acceptance notice ~1 month, substantive examination ~4 months, 3-month preliminary publication, then registration. Refusals or oppositions extend it.
See the timeline →What does "first-to-file" mean in China?
China is a strict first-to-file jurisdiction: the trademark generally belongs to whoever files first, not whoever used it first abroad. Foreign/global reputation rarely protects you unless you can prove a well-known mark, which is slow and expensive. File early, in Chinese characters too.
Can I register in China through the Madrid System?
Yes, you can designate China in a Madrid international registration. WIPO's China individual fee (from April 2026) is
220 CHF for the first class + 110 CHF each extra class, plus the WIPO basic fee (653 CHF black-and-white). CNIPA still examines the China phase and can issue an office action.
Estimate Madrid cost →Which Nice classes do I need for Amazon or e-commerce?
Most consumer brands need their
product class plus Class 35 (retail/online sales). SaaS and apps usually need Class 9 + Class 42. Gaps in class coverage are commonly exploited to block stores.
Pick your classes →What if my China trademark application is refused?
You have only
15 days from receipt to file a refusal review (驳回复审) through a Chinese agent, with use evidence and arguments. Missing it kills the application.
Refusal response checklist →How long is the opposition window?
After preliminary publication, anyone may oppose within
3 months. After that the mark registers and your only route is invalidation, which is longer and costlier. Set up a watch so you never miss it.
Watch setup checklist →Do I have to actually use my China trademark?
Yes. A registered mark that has not been genuinely used for
3 consecutive years can be cancelled by any third party (撤三). Keep dated Chinese sales, ads and packaging evidence.
Check your exposure →How long does a China trademark last, and how do I renew?
10 years. Renew within the 12 months before expiry; there is a 6-month grace period with a surcharge, after which the mark dies.
Renewal calculator →Do I need a Chinese-character version of my brand?
Strongly recommended. Chinese customers search and speak the Chinese name; if you do not register it, a squatter often will. Plan transliteration vs meaning and clear it before launch.
Chinese name helper →Can my China trademark enroll in Amazon Brand Registry?
A registered or even pending CNIPA mark can support enrollment for the China marketplace; a pending application (TM) often unlocks brand tools in 1–2 months.
Check eligibility →What is the difference between online and paper filing fees?
Online (electronic) filing is CNY 270/class; paper filing is CNY 300/class. Agents file electronically, which is both cheaper and faster.