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China Trademark Registration — First-to-File System & Protection

China operates a first-to-file trademark system where the first applicant to file obtains priority regardless of prior use. Registration takes 6�12 months through a registered Chinese trademark agent.

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Registration Process

  1. Search � Check availability on CNIPA database
  2. File application � Through registered Chinese agent
  3. Formal examination � 1�2 months
  4. Substantive examination � 6�9 months
  5. Publication � 3-month opposition period
  6. Registration � Certificate issued

Key Strategies

Register marks in Chinese characters (most enforceable form), file across all relevant Nice classes, and monitor for bad-faith filings. Well-known marks receive broader protection even without registration in China. Trademark renewal required every 10 years.

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