Guide to Trademark Registration and Protection in China (1) - General Information

The Chinese Trademark Office accepts trademark applications for registration on goods and services; applications for registration of certificate marks and collective marks are also accepted.

The trademark can be words, devices or a combination of both. Shapes and sounds are now registrable in China, however, scent is not registrable in China.

The Chinese Trademark Office adopts the International Classification of Goods and Services, and multi-class application is now applicable. The descriptions of the goods/services should be same as International Classification (Chinese Trademark office version).

Examination is based on absolute ground and relative ground. Before registration, there is a period of three months for public opposition purpose.

The protection term for a registered trademark is 10 years, calculated from the registration date. The protection term can be renewed every 10 years.

Regulations for the Implementation of the Trademark Law of the People’s ...
Trademark Law of the People’s Republic of China