The electronic trademark registration certificate has the same legal effect as the paper certificate of the past. The CNIPA has fully implemented electronic trademark registration certificates; newly approved registrations are now issued only as electronic registration certificates, and paper certificates are no longer mailed.
Policy History of Digitalization
The CNIPA advanced certificate digitalization in stages starting in 2021: electronic registration certificates were first issued for applications filed electronically, and then the scope was expanded to all registration applications. From January 1, 2022, trademark registration certificates became fully electronic, and paper registration certificates were retired.
Effect of the Electronic Certificate
The electronic registration certificate is issued by the CNIPA in the form of a data message with an electronic seal, and is equivalent in effect to the paper certificate. It can be used in all kinds of scenarios, including enforcement complaints, litigation evidence, platform onboarding, customs recordation, and pledge registration. Under the rules on electronic signatures, a reliable electronic signature has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature or seal.
What About Existing Paper Certificates
Paper registration certificates obtained before 2022 remain valid and need not be replaced. If lost or damaged, you can apply for a reissue, which will also be an electronic certificate. It is advisable to download and archive the electronic certificates of all trademarks centrally and manage them through a ledger.
In such situations, it is advisable to consult a recorded agent through MyTMBee first to assess whether archive management is needed before deciding on the next step.