Why was your trademark rejected? Here are common reasons and how to fix them.
- GOMAXGROUP
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Foreign entrepreneurs waste thousands on rejected China trademark applications. Learn the exact reasons CNIPA rejects marks — from relative conflicts to absolute grounds — and how to fix them before filing.
Why Do China Trademark Applications Get Rejected?
Your Mark Is Too Similar
This is the first rejection reason. CNIPA compares marks by form, sound, and meaning. If your mark resembles an existing one for similar goods/services, consumers may be confused — and your application fails.
Example: If "FreshBite" is registered for fruit products, "FreshByte" or "BiteFresh" for the same products will be rejected. But "FreshBite" for towels would likely pass, because the goods differ.
Gomax Pro tip: China uses sub-classes within each Nice Classification. Wrong sub-class = coverage gaps and higher rejection risk.
Non-Standard Service Description
Vague descriptions like "computer services" or "retail sales" fail CNIPA's strict standards. Each description must match China's accepted terminology exactly. Do not apply US or EU classification logic directly to China.
Example: Computer services, retail sales, online business, these are rejected. Computer network design and maintenance, retail of clothing via online stores, these are accepted.
Gomax Pro tip: Follow the official CNIPA Classification Book wording word for word.Split broad general terms into specific, refined service items.
Lack of Distinctiveness
Generic or descriptive marks cannot distinguish your brand. "Apple" for fruit, "Premium" for food, or "Best Quality" for any goods will be refused. Choose invented words or unique combinations instead.
Example: Apple (for fruit), Premium, Best Quality, Fresh, these are rejected. Applizo, Premilux, Freshvio or invented coined words + unique letter combinations, these are accepted.
Gomax Pro tip: Avoid plain descriptive words that only describe product features, quality or function. Use coined words, meaningless unique letter combinations, or original compound words.
How to Avoid Rejection
Problem | Solution |
Similar existing mark | Pre-search CNIPA database; verify class and sub-class |
Absolute rejection | Redesign immediately — no appeal works |
Weak distinctiveness | Use unique word combinations; avoid "premium," "classic," "top" |
Broad descriptions | Narrow your goods/services list to precise, accepted terms |
Obvious similarity | Revise and reapply — don't waste money on review |
FAQ: China Trademark Registration Rejection
Q: Can I appeal a China trademark rejection?A: Yes, for relative rejections you can file a review with the Trademark Review and Adjudication Board (TRAB). However, if similarity is obvious, reapplying with a modified mark is usually more cost-effective.
Q: How much does a rejected trademark application cost?A: You lose the official filing fee (approximately ¥300 per class) plus agent fees. The larger cost is the 8–12 month delay, during which competitors or squatters may file.
Q: Is my US or EU trademark valid in China?
A: No. Trademark rights are territorial. USPTO or EUIPO registration has no legal effect in China. You must file separately with CNIPA.
Q: Should I register my English name, Chinese name, or both?A: Register both simultaneously. Chinese consumers often search and recognize Chinese-language brand names on platforms like Tmall and JD.com. If a partner or competitor registers your Chinese name first, recovery is costly and uncertain.
Q: What is "bad-faith" trademark registration in China?A: This occurs when a Chinese supplier, partner, or squatter registers your mark before you do. Because China is first-to-file, early registration is your only reliable defense.
Professional China Trademark Registration Support
At TMRegisterChina, powered by Gomax International — a registered CNIPA IP agent — we specialize in helping foreign businesses navigate China trademark registration without costly rejections.
Our services include: Professional localized translation of brand names, product titles, and marketing terminologyCultural appropriateness review to ensure your Chinese brand name resonates with local consumers Seamless CNIPA coordination through our licensed agent status Tailored market entry strategies based on current examination practices.
Our qualified translators combine linguistic accuracy with deep knowledge of Chinese market norms and consumer preferences, helping your brand build recognition and achieve sustainable growth in China's dynamic marketplace.
Ready to protect your brand in China? Visit tmregisterchina.com to schedule a free consultation with our CNIPA-registered agents.
