A common misconception among cross-border businesses: "Once my trademark appears in the China Trademark Database with a certificate, my brand is safe." Reality check: A significant volume of infringement operates as "ghosts" — completely invisible in public records, not directly similar on paper, and not obvious cybersquatting. Yet through distorted use, combined use, cross-category infiltration, and covert online operations, these infringers quietly divert customers, dilute

Registering a trademark in China can be a complex process, especially for foreign businesses unfamiliar with local rules and practices. Many companies face setbacks or lose valuable rights because of avoidable errors during registration. Understanding these common mistakes helps protect your brand and ensures smoother entry into the Chinese market. Avoid These Common Mistakes When Registering Your Trademark in China Not Conducting a Thorough Trademark Search One of the bigges

What Is a Trademark? A trademark is a symbol, word, phrase, or design that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services. It helps consumers recognize the brand behind a product or service. For example, the Nike "swoosh" logo or the phrase "Just Do It" are trademarks. They tell customers that the product comes from Nike and not another company. Key Features of Trademarks Purpose: Protect brand identity and prevent confusion in the marketplace. Scope: Covers log