China Trademark & IP Knowledge Hub

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

What is Class 35 in Trademark Classification? Class 35 under the Nice Classification system covers services related to business management, advertising, and office functions. It includes activities such as: Retail and wholesale services Business consulting and franchise management Advertising and marketing services Market research and analysis Office functions like clerical services This class is distinct from product categories, which cover tangible goods. Class 35 focuses o

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 ca

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, tim