Author Legally reviewed by Zihang Duan · ReviewerBoyang Cao · Last reviewed · 2 min read · Editorial policy · AI content policy · Disclaimer · Not legal advice — confirm current rules with counsel and authorities
At a glance
Intellectual Property: typical process stages
Four high-level stages — details and local variations are in the guide below.
1MapBrands, patents, secrets
2FileCNIPA & first-to-file timing
3WatchPlatforms & counterfeits
4EnforceAdmin, civil or criminal
City hubs
Local guides & lawyers
Drill into city × practice hubs where available, or open the city legal market guide.
A practical orientation checklist for foreign brand teams who just found a conflicting China trademark filing or registration — deadline triage, evidence pack, remedy choice, and counsel handoff.
Publication vs registration status check
3-month opposition window calculator prompts
Evidence inventory (relationship, use, fame, bad faith)
Fight / buy-back / rebrand decision prompts
Links to full guides and verified trademark counsel
Checklist contents (use now)
Status: Application number · publication date · registration number · classes · owner name.
Clock: If published and unregistered — days left in 3-month opposition window (Art. 33).
Ownership map: Your China filings · overseas registrations · Chinese-character marks.
Relationship: Any agent, distributor, OEM, employee, or failed JV with the filer?
Legal boundary: Prefer primary statutes, judicial interpretations, and official guidance when making decisions. Where this guide links to city hubs or lawyer listings, verify credentials and engagement terms directly with counsel. Full disclaimer · Request a consultation.
Consultation preparation
What to prepare before contacting counsel
Send a focused first package so counsel can check conflicts, understand scope, and identify urgent deadlines.
A concise timeline and the result you want to achieve.
Names of all parties and affiliates for a conflict check.
Key contracts, notices, correspondence, filings, or decisions.
Known deadlines, preferred language, location, and budget constraints.
Topic counsel
Lawyers relevant to this topic
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