WHAT 商标 MEANS
What 商标 means
Trademark rights in China are strongly registration-focused, and filing strategy should cover the actual Chinese market, relevant classes, Chinese-language branding and bad-faith risks.
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Why the role matters
Foreign brands should not rely on overseas registrations alone. Early PRC filings and monitoring are critical because conflicting applications can affect launch, licensing and enforcement.
CONTEXT
Where you see the term
ContextWhat it means there
CNIPA filingApplication and examination.
Brand licensingRegistered marks are licensed to distributors or affiliates.
EnforcementAdministrative, civil and customs routes may be available.
TRANSLATION NOTE
文/A
Translation note
商标 is “trademark”. Service marks are generally dealt with within the same trademark framework.
AUTHORITY
Primary legal basis
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE
Example
A foreign brand launches in China under an English name but has not filed the Chinese transliteration. A local party files the Chinese-language version first, creating a commercial dispute.
SOURCES AND REVIEW
Primary authorities.
18 Sep 2026
OFFICIAL SOURCESUPPORTSCHECKED
PRC Trademark Law
PRC Trademark Law
MAINTAINED BYChina Legal Portal Editorial
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