The standard trademark registration process is: file the application → formality examination (Notice of Acceptance in about 1 month) → substantive examination (about 4–6 months) → preliminary approval publication (3 months) → registration publication and certification. In a smooth scenario the whole process takes about 7–9 months; corrections, refusal, or opposition will extend it accordingly.
Step 1: Pre-Filing Preparation
Determine the trademark specimen (word, device, or composite), select the classes of goods or services (45 classes under the Classification of Similar Goods and Services), and conduct a similarity search to assess registration risk.
Step 2: Filing the Application
You may file online through the CNIPA online service system (official fee CNY 270 per class), file on paper at the CNIPA registration hall or a local acceptance window (CNY 300 per class), or appoint a recorded agency to handle the filing.
Step 3: Formality Examination
CNIPA checks whether the application documents are complete, the entries properly filled in, and the specimen clear. Applications that meet the requirements receive a Notice of Acceptance within about one month; those that do not receive a correction notice or a notice of non-acceptance.
Step 4: Substantive Examination
CNIPA examines whether the trademark is distinctive, whether it violates the prohibited clauses, and whether it is similar to prior trademarks. The timeline is about 4–6 months; the legal basis is Article 28 of the Trademark Law (examination to be completed within nine months). Passing leads to the preliminary approval publication; failing leads to a notice of refusal.
Step 5: Preliminary Approval Publication
The publication period is 3 months. During this period, anyone may file an opposition under Article 33 of the Trademark Law. If there is no opposition, or the opposition is found unfounded, registration is approved.
Step 6: Registration Publication and Certification
After approval, the registration publication is issued and an electronic trademark registration certificate is granted (available for self-download). The exclusive right to use the trademark runs from the expiry of the 3-month preliminary approval publication period, and is valid for 10 years.
Possible Detours
Corrections (formality issues), refusal (a review of refusal may be requested within 15 days), and opposition (response procedure) all lengthen the process; conducting a similarity search and checking materials in advance is recommended.
Note: The fees and timeframes in this article are updated to 2026. For actual handling, please refer to the latest official CNIPA guidance.
If you are unsure about the issues above, you can first engage agency-assisted trademark registration on MyTMBee and act only after obtaining an analysis from a CNIPA-recorded agent.