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On 22 December 2025 the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress finally read the long-anticipated Trademark Law Revision Draft. the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress The 84-article bill is not a cosmetic touch-up; it is a surgical re-design of how brands are born, policed and punished on the mainland. Expected to take effect on 1 November 2026 , it will touch every foreign company that manufactures, sells or licenses in the People’s Rep

On 3 December 2025, China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) released the Guideline on the Protection of Foreign Geographical Indications in China (2025) .This article distills that official guidance and combines it with frontline practitioner experience to provide overseas associations, government authorities, and exporters with a step-by-step roadmap for obtaining GI protection in China—from zero to certificate issuance. The original Chinese guideline c

Foreign executives often ask: “Do we really need a Chinese company name before we even file the trademark?” The short answer is yes. In China’s first-to-file system, the characters you place on the enterprise registration form double as the default word mark squatters scan first. Skip that step, and you may spend two years and RMB 2 million reclaiming your own brand. Below is a field guide to picking, clearing, and locking down a Chinese name that sails through SAMR and CNIPA

How Foreigners Can Legally Buy and Transfer a Trademark in China？ China is the world’s largest e-commerce market—and owning a Chinese trademark is essential for brand protection, platform verification, customs protection, and stopping infringement. The good news? Foreign individuals and companies can easily purchase and transfer trademarks in China , even without a local entity. This guide walks you through what you can buy, how the process works, required documents, cost, ti

Intro: The Launch of CNIPA's New Trademark Filing Portal On 20 October 2025, China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) officially launched its new online trademark filing portal. This marks the most significant system upgrade in over a decade. The revamp aims to enhance convenience, security, and overall user experience for online trademark services. It better meets the practical needs of applicants. The platform introduces a new user management system. T

A European consumer goods company once held a valuable trademark in China—a brand it had spent years building online. After relocating its Shanghai office, the company forgot to update its address with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). Six months later, a local competitor filed a non-use cancellation. CNIPA mailed the official notice to the old address on record, as required by law. The letter never reached the company, no response was filed, an

In today’s rapidly evolving global marketplace, safeguarding your brand has never been more vital. Picture this: an individual or company...

When applying for a trademark in China, foreign applicants often wonder whether to work with a law firm or a trademark agency. Each option has its strengths. The right choice depends on your business needs, budget, and the complexity of your case. How to Choose the Right Partner Why Work with a Trademark Agency? Cost-Effective Solutions Trademark agencies generally provide more affordable services than law firms. With lower overhead costs and a focus on the registration proce

In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, securing your brand is vital, especially in the vast Chinese market. With platforms like...

Navigating trademark registration in China can feel overwhelming for foreign companies. Given its distinct legal system and cultural...

For companies expanding internationally, trademark protection is more than just a legal formality—it is an essential safeguard for brand...

In today’s competitive market, protecting your brand is more important than ever. A strong brand represents your business’s reputation,...

Entering the Chinese market offers vast opportunities for businesses worldwide. However, one of the biggest concerns for companies...

Every creator thinks, “I’ll deal with copyright later.” Many regret this decision. Some Real-Life Failures A European game developer...

Registering a trademark in China is a crucial step for businesses aiming to protect their brand and intellectual property in one of the...

Registering a trademark in China is a crucial step for businesses looking to protect their brand and intellectual property in one of the...

Entering the Chinese market can be an exciting opportunity for many businesses. However, protecting your brand should be a top priority...

In today's competitive marketplace, businesses are not only striving for success through quality products and services, but they are also...

Protecting your intellectual property (IP) in China is critical for businesses operating in this vast and dynamic market. The rapid pace...

Imagine this: You’ve built a powerful brand, found the right supplier in China, and business is booming. Then one day you discover that...