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A One-Minute Guide to the Full China Trademark Transfer Procedure

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, timeline, common pitfalls, and FAQs.


1. Start with the Three Core Questions

1) Am I allowed to buy a Chinese trademark?

✔ Foreign individuals – Yes. A valid passport is enough. No China ID, visa, or residence permit required.

✔ Foreign companies – Yes. Provide your Certificate of Incorporation. 

• English is acceptable. 

• No notarization or legalization required. 

• A Chinese translation is needed.

2) What type of trademark should I buy?

Registered trademark (®)

  • Fully approved and stable

  • Can be used immediately

  • Higher price but lower risk

Pending application (TM)

  • Cheaper

  • May be rejected during examination

3) Can the trademark be transferred to my name?

Yes—as long as the trademark is legal and clean, meaning:

  • No pledge or mortgage

  • No court seizure

  • No invalidation or cancellation risks


2. The Entire Process in One Minute

Step 1 — Due Diligence (1–3 days)

Check on the CNIPA database:

  • Status

  • Validity

  • Similar marks

  • Pledge/licensing records

Step 2 — Sign the Transfer Agreement (1 day)

A three-party contract between:

  • Assignor

  • Assignee

  • Trademark agency

Includes:

  • Trademark Assignment Contract

  • Letter of Consent to Transfer

Step 3 — Prepare Supporting Documents (1–2 days)

  • Identity documents

  • Company certificates

  • Chinese translations

  • Power of Attorney (your signature only)

Step 4 — Submit Application (same day)

Filed electronically.Next day: receive Official Acceptance Notice.

Step 5 — Examination (3–4 months)

CNIPA conducts formal examination only.

Step 6 — Publication + Transfer Certificate (1 month)

After 1-month publication with no opposition →You receive the Trademark Assignment Certificate, and ownership officially transfers.


3. Document Checklist for Foreign Applicants

(Chinese/English templates available via your agency)

A. Proof of Identity

Individuals:

  • Color scan of passport information page (no notarization)

Companies:

  • Certificate of Incorporation

  • Chinese translation stamped by translation agency

B. Signature Documents

  • Letter of Consent to Transfer (both parties sign; e-signatures accepted)

  • Power of Attorney (assignee signs only; no notarization)

C. “All Similar Marks Must Be Transferred Together” Requirement

If the assignor owns similar or identical trademarks, all must be transferred, otherwise CNIPA will reject the transfer.

D. Required Chinese Information

  • Chinese name of the assignee (phonetic translation acceptable)

  • China address (TMRegisterChina can provide one)


4. Cost & Timeline

  • Official CNIPA Fee: RMB 500 per class

  • Agency Fee: From USD 259 per class (including translation, filing, tracking)

  • Total Duration: 6–8 months

  • Fastest Possible: 2 months (no official fast-track available; depends on complete documents)

    trademark transfer
    Trademark transfer

5. Top 7 Traps Foreign Buyers Must Avoid

1. Buying a “Geographical Name” Trademark

Example: A fruit brand registered as “Xijiekou” (a town in Yunnan).→ Cannot be used; CNIPA will reject due to misleading origin.

Check whether the trademark contains Chinese county-level or above place names.

2. Buying a Trademark Containing a Company’s Full Name

Example: “Shanxi XXX Group & Logo” sold to a Hebei company.→ Consumers may be misled → CNIPA rejects the transfer.

3. Forgetting to Transfer Similar Trademarks

CNIPA requires bundling similar marks.Missing even one = automatic rejection, fee not refunded.

4. Trademark Is Pledged or Frozen

Not easily visible in public databases.

Solution:

  • Request a “No Pledge Statement” from the seller

  • Include liability clauses in the contract

5. Trademark Subject to Non-Use Cancellation (“3-Year Rule”)

If unused for 3 years, any person can request cancellation.Ask the seller for recent 3-year use evidence:

  • Invoices

  • Ads

  • Contracts

6. Trademark Near Expiration

China trademarks last 10 years.If within 6-month grace period → renew first, then transfer.

7. Buying from a “Trademark Hoarder”

If a person owns 700+ trademarks with no use evidence →CNIPA may deem it malicious and reject the transfer.

Check seller’s total number of trademarks—avoid sellers with 100+ unused marks.


6. After the Transfer: 3 Things You Must Do

1. Update Brand Registry

Upload the Transfer Certificate to:

  • Amazon Brand Registry

  • Alibaba Brand Protection

2. Add Renewal Reminders

You can renew starting 12 months before June 13, 2029.Agencies usually send reminders 6 months in advance.

3. Keep Use Evidence

Organize invoices, ads, and contracts every 3 years to prevent cancellation challenges.


7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Do I need a China address?

Yes. If you don’t have one, TMRegisterChina can provide an address for official communications.

Q2. Do I need to speak Chinese?

No. TMRegisterChina will provide certified Chinese translations. Signatures can be in English and do not require notarization.

Q3. Can I enforce my rights during the transfer?

Yes.With the Acceptance Notice, you can file infringement complaints with:

  • Customs

  • E-commerce platforms

  • Market regulators

Q4. Can I transfer only part of the goods/services?

No. China requires transferring the entire approved goods/services list under that class.

Q5. Can I use the trademark before paying in full?

Legally yes, but extremely risky.Use escrow or a secured transaction for safety.


8. Final Thoughts

China’s trademark transfer system is straightforward for foreign individuals and companies—no notarization, no legalization, and fully online. With complete documents, you can obtain the official Trademark Assignment Certificate in as little as 5–6 months.

Just remember the three major risks:

  • Missing similar trademarks

  • Confusing geographical or enterprise names

  • Pledged or frozen marks


Golden rule: “Check records, bundle similar marks, write clear liabilities, keep evidence.”

Choosing a reputable agency ensures a smooth, paperless transfer—helping your brand safely enter the world’s largest consumer market.


TMRegisterChina helps foreign businesses register trademarks in China with cost-effective services, English support, and full legal backup. Contact Us today to get your China trademark in 6 months.

 
 
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