To register a trademark, an individual (natural person) needs to provide: a copy of their ID card, an individual industrial and commercial household business license (or other proof of business qualification, such as a rural land contract), a clear trademark specimen, and a trademark registration application form; if an agency is appointed, a power of attorney is also required. In principle, the goods applied for may not exceed the registered business scope.
Why Individuals Cannot File "Bare" Applications
Under CNIPA's requirements for natural-person applications, an application filed purely in the capacity of a natural person without any proof of business qualification will not be accepted. A natural person must apply in the name of an individual industrial and commercial household, a rural contracted land operator, or another natural person lawfully permitted to engage in business activities—the purpose is to prevent trademark hoarding.
Materials Checklist (in the Name of an Individual Industrial and Commercial Household)
- Copy of ID card (signed by the holder).
- Copy of the individual industrial and commercial household business license.
- Trademark specimen: a clear JPG file, sized between 5cm×5cm and 10cm×10cm.
- Trademark Registration Application Form: the applicant name may be the operator's personal name or the trade name of the household.
- If an agency is appointed: Power of Attorney for Trademark Agency (signed by the applicant).
Two Key Points
- Restricted scope of goods: the designated goods/services should correspond to the business scope registered on the license; an overly broad span may require explanation.
- Name consistency: the applicant name and address on the application form must be exactly consistent with the ID card and license information; a difference of even one character will trigger a correction notice.
Differences from Companies
Applications in a company's name are not restricted by business scope, and the trademark right vests in the company; applications in an individual's name vest the right in the natural person, and subsequent licensing or assignment must be handled by the individual personally.
If you are unsure about the issues above, you can first do a self-service registration on MyTMBee and act only after obtaining an analysis from a CNIPA-recorded agent.