Chinese trademark registration must be filed via the Trademark Office of the State Administration for Industry & Commerce of the People’s Republic of China. China adopts the “first-to-file” system. This means that whoever files a particular trademark first will get the rights. Once your trademark is approved, it will be valid for ten years with a right of renewal for one more decade.
Trademarks protect different kinds of intellectual property, including your products and services. They also influence the consumer’s purchasing decision because it mirrors the reputation of your brand. Apart from these vital reasons, keep in mind that China doesn’t recognize unregistered trademark rights. So it’s wise to register your trademark in the region before you build your business.
Documents Required
Here are the documents you need to prepare to apply for trademark registration.
(1) Enterprise License such as Company Registration Certificate, Business Registration Certificate, Business License, etc.
(2) Trademark pattern in clear JPG format.
(3) Description of your goods and services which the trademark is applied to.
(4) Name of the entrepreneur, your company address, email address, and phone number.
Trademark Registration Process in China
When you file your application, it will take you about one (1) to three (3) months to receive the notification of acceptance. After six (6) months, you’ll get the result of the trademark examination by the China State Intellectual Property Office.
Once your trademark passes the examination, it will be published on the website TM gazette of China trademark for around three (3) months.
If no one opposed the trademark, you will receive the certificate of the trademark within a month. The whole process has been great reduced. That is to say, if everything goes smoothly, you can get the trademark certificate within one year (12 months).
Terms of Protection
In China, registered trademarks are valid for a period of ten (10) years from the registration date. They can then be renewed for subsequent ten-year periods indefinitely. The renewal of the trademark can be requested as early as six (6) months before the expiration date and as late as six (6) months after pending the payment of a late renewal fee.
Contact Us
If you have further inquires, please do not hesitate to contact Tannet at anytime, anywhere by simply visiting Tannet’s website english.tannet-group.com, or calling Hong Kong hotline at 852-27826888 or China hotline at 86-755-82143422, or emailing to tannet-solution@hotmail.com. You are also welcome to visit our office situated in 16/F, Taiyangdao Bldg 2020, Dongmen Rd South, Luohu, Shenzhen, China.
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