The full trademark registration process can be summarized in six steps: finalization and search → class planning → material preparation → filing → examination follow-up → publication and certification. In a smooth scenario the whole process takes about 7–9 months. This guide breaks down each step in the order of actual operations, with practices and pitfalls to avoid.
Step 1: Trademark Finalization and Similarity Search
1.1 Design Finalization
The specimen cannot be changed after submission, so it must be finalized before filing. Recommendations:
- For word marks, fix the standard typeface; for device marks, fix the composition and proportions.
- Export a high-resolution source file (vector preferred); the specimen for application is in JPG format, 5–10 cm in length and width.
- For the main brand, file a black-and-white specimen first to keep flexibility in color use; register the color version separately once the brand colors are set.
1.2 Similarity Search
Use the query system on the CNIPA website to run a full-class search for the proposed trademark, focusing on:
- Whether identical or similar prior trademarks exist on the same or similar goods.
- Cross-class searches of related classes, to avoid discovering after the layout is complete that a core related class is occupied.
- For word marks, also search homophonic, visually similar, and semantically similar variants. If the search reveals obvious obstacles, consider changing the mark, adding distinguishing elements, or assessing the feasibility of removing the obstacle (non-use cancellation, invalidation, purchase). This step is the most cost-effective investment in the whole process.
Step 2: Class and Goods-Item Planning
2.1 Class Selection Logic
There are 45 classes under the Classification of Similar Goods and Services:
- Core classes: the classes corresponding to your current main goods/services.
- Related classes: classes for upstream and downstream activities, sales channels, and peripheral goods.
- Defensive classes: popular classes prone to free-riding and brand-squatting (e.g., Class 35 for advertising and sales, Class 9 for software, Class 42 for technical services).
2.2 Item Selection Strategy
Each class is limited to 10 standard goods items (a surcharge of CNY 27–30 per extra item). Tips:
- Prioritize items with broad wording that cover an entire similar group, obtaining wider protection with fewer items.
- Use the standard names in the Classification of Similar Goods and Services; self-coined names are likely to trigger corrections.
- The goods you actually deal in must be included, otherwise others may still squat on those items after your registration.
2.3 One Mark in Multiple Classes or One Mark per Class
A single application may designate multiple classes (Article 22 of the Trademark Law). Choose a multi-class application when the classes are closely connected and you want unified management; split into separate one-class applications when risk isolation is a priority or a class may later be assigned separately.
Step 3: Material Preparation
3.1 Enterprise Applications
- Copy of the business license (bearing the company seal).
- Trademark specimen (JPG, 5–10 cm).
- Application form: the applicant name must match the license character for character, and the address must be the registered domicile.
- If an agency is appointed: a power of attorney bearing the company seal.
3.2 Individual Applications
- Copy of ID card; copy of the individual industrial and commercial household business license.
- Specimen and application form as above, with the applicant name consistent with the certificates.
- The scope of goods should correspond to the business scope.
3.3 Self-Check of Common Correction Points
Misspelled names, address inconsistent with the certificate, blurred or watermarked specimen, non-standard goods items, missing signature or seal on the power of attorney—checking each item before submission avoids 1–2 months of correction delays.
Step 4: Filing the Application
4.1 Channel Selection
- Online filing (recommended): register an account in the CNIPA online service system and submit; the official fee is CNY 270 per class, the application number can be queried the day after same-day submission, and documents are served electronically.
- Window/mail filing: CNY 300 per class, with slower circulation.
- Appointing an agency: verify the agency's CNIPA recordation, sign the agency service contract and power of attorney, and obtain the application number.
4.2 Payment
The official fee is paid together with the application and is not refunded even if the application is refused. For multi-class applications, the fee accumulates per class.
4.3 Recording Application Information
Enter the application number, filing date, designated classes and items, and specimen into the trademark archive—this is the foundational data for all subsequent procedures.
Step 5: Examination Follow-Up
5.1 Formality Examination (About 1 Month)
Watch whether the Notice of Acceptance arrives. If a correction notice is received, make the corrections as required within the prescribed period (usually 30 days); failure to comply in time is deemed abandonment.
5.2 Substantive Examination (About 4–6 Months)
Three outcomes: full preliminary approval, partial refusal, or total refusal.
- If a notice of refusal is received, decide within 15 days whether to apply for a review of the refusal. Analyze the grounds: relative grounds (prior trademarks) can be addressed through review combined with obstacle removal; absolute grounds (lack of distinctiveness, prohibited clauses) have a low success rate—invest cautiously.
- For partial refusals, the approved portion proceeds to publication normally; you may seek review of the refused portion or abandon it.
5.3 Preliminary Approval Publication (3 Months)
- Check that the published information matches the application.
- Watch for oppositions: if a notice of opposition response is received, respond within 30 days.
- At this stage you still may not use "®"; "TM" is acceptable.
Step 6: Registration Publication and Certification
Upon expiry of the publication period without opposition, or where the opposition is found unfounded, CNIPA approves the registration, issues the registration publication, and grants the electronic registration certificate (downloadable from the online system). What to do immediately after certification:
- Check that the certificate information matches the publication.
- Use the trademark properly on the approved goods and label it "®" (at the upper-right or lower-right corner).
- Enter the registration number and validity expiry date into the archive and set a renewal reminder (file renewal within 12 months before expiry).
- Build the habit of preserving evidence of use (invoices, contracts, advertisements, photos of packaging) to guard against future non-use cancellation.
Pitfall Checklist for the Whole Process
- Filing without a search → sharply higher refusal rate, official fees wasted.
- Applicant name inconsistent with the certificate → correction delays.
- Colloquial goods descriptions → corrections or loss of protection.
- Using "®" after mere acceptance → passing off an unregistered trademark as registered, punishable.
- Appointing an agency without verifying its recordation, or signing a blank power of attorney → legal risk.
- Not using or archiving the mark after certification → non-use cancellation risk and missed renewals.
Overall Time Budget
About 1 month for acceptance + about 4–6 months for substantive examination + 3 months for publication + about 1 month for certification, totaling about 7–9 months. Add 1–2 months for corrections, 9–12 months for a review of refusal, and about 12 months for opposition. Brand launch plans should work backward from these timelines as the baseline, and applications should be filed as early as possible.
If you need the process above handled on your behalf, you can book the trademark agency registration service with a CNIPA-recorded agent on MyTMBee, with full assistance from material preparation to filing follow-up.