Trademark protection starts with trademark registration. If your trademark has been squatted by a third party in bad faith, you will need to file either an opposition petition against the squatting application or invalidation petition against the squatting registration. When you have registered trademarks in China, you can either record trademarks with China Customs to prevent infringing goods from crossing China boarders, or bring up litigation or administrative raid action.
I. Trademark Search
In China, over one million applications are filed each year. Trademark search is quite necessary prior to filing a trademark application. It is also a must when you devise your global brand.
II. Trademark Registration
In China, one trademark application covers one mark (word, designed logo, sound and 3D object) in one particular Class. China follows the Nice Classification of Goods and Services.
China employs a “first-to-file” system for trademark registration. Unregistered trademarks are offered with very limited protection. Moreover, you run the risks of your trademarks being squatted by someone else who can block you from using your trademark. Even if you are only manufacturing products (OEM) and not selling them, you must register your trademarks.
III. Trademark Invalidation
In China, one of the biggest problems faced by many overseas companies is that their brand has been squatted meaning registered with bad faith. Brand owners must take actions such as opposition or invalidation in order to regain their trademarks. We help you analyze your situation and devise a strategy for you to file petition to invalidate or oppose the squatter's application.
IV. Trademark Enforcement
Enforcing your trademarks is the ultimate goal of trademark registration. Trademark infringement is rampant in China. Proper strategy must be devised before taking enforcement actions. We have abundant experience and are in a unique position to help international companies in enforcing their trademark in China.
V. Customs Recordation
Recording trademarks at China Customs will allow the field offices of China Customs to voluntarily monitor and detain the infringing goods from exporting from or importing to China. Trademark Customs Recordation gives you a way to achieve the goal of blocking unwanted goods from leaving to coming to China.
Tannet’s Intellectual Property Service Center provides a full range of IP service including trademark, patent and copyright. Should you have any need, kindly let us know, and we will come up with a strategy to help you.
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 86-755-82143512, 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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