China Trademark & IP Knowledge Hub

Imagine this: You’ve built a powerful brand, found the right supplier in China, and business is booming. Then one day you discover that your supplier has registered your brand name in China—and the law now forbids you from using your own company name. It sounds far-fetched, but we see it happen to unsuspecting companies all the time. How it happens China is a “first-to-file” jurisdiction: whoever files first owns the mark—even if you have used it worldwide for decades. Until

Are you looking to protect your brand and business in China? Trademark registration is crucial to safeguarding your intellectual property and preventing others from using your brand identity. Whether you are a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, understanding the trademark registration process in China is essential. You can register not only product names and logos, but also slogans, packaging visuals, domain names, 3-D shapes, colour combinations and more. A Chinese re

Navigating China's trademark landscape can be complex, but with the right strategy, foreign businesses can secure their brand protection effectively. Here are essential expert tips to guide you through the process. 1. Register Early — China Operates on a "First-to-File" Basis Unlike the U.S. and some other jurisdictions that follow a "first-to-use" system, China grants trademark rights to whoever files first. This means even if you've been using your brand internationally for