PRACTICAL GUIDE · TRADEMARKS

China trademark filing checklist for overseas applicants

Before comparing filing options, get the applicant, brand sign and product scope into one reliable brief. This guide is an information checklist—not a trademark search, registrability opinion or instruction to file.

Representation matters. CNIPA says a foreign company without a business domicile in China must entrust a lawfully established trademark agency for China trademark matters. A China office or representative office is not automatically the foreign company’s business domicile. Confirm the rule against your actual structure. CNIPA guidance ↗

1. Identify the actual applicant

Write the legal name, formation country, address and person authorised to approve the application. If a group has several companies, decide which entity should own the mark before preparing documents. Keep spelling consistent with corporate records and any earlier applications.

2. List every brand version you care about

Collect the exact word mark, logo artwork and any Chinese-character or pinyin name already used or planned. These are not interchangeable merely because they refer to the same brand. Note where each version appears: packaging, website, marketplace listing, distributor materials or product label.

3. Describe what you sell or provide

Start with ordinary commercial language, then map the products and services to official classification terms with a responsible professional. The WIPO Nice Classification is a starting framework. A class number alone does not determine whether your proposed wording or coverage is suitable for China.

4. Record earlier rights and important dates

Existing trademark applications or registrations, with jurisdiction and filing date.
Known similar marks, domain names or marketplace listings that worry you.
Planned launch dates and any relevant opposition, refusal or cancellation notice.
The markets you actually need; mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao require separate territorial analysis.

5. Agree the handling before paying

Ask who the applicant will contract with, which qualified agency handles any regulated filing, what the quoted scope includes, what official and service fees are separate, and who manages later notices. Do not treat a website enquiry or an automated search result as approval to file.

Build a preparation brief ↗ Discuss your matter →

Sources and review boundary

Official references: CNIPA on foreign applicants and WIPO Nice Classification. Checked 10 October 2026. Requirements and classification practice can change; a responsible qualified professional must check the current rule for your case.