The application number and the registration number are both unique identifiers of a trademark in the CNIPA system. For the same trademark, the number is called the application number during the application stage; once registration is approved, the same string of digits is called the registration number. They are not two trademarks, nor two rights—they are simply two names for the same number at different procedural stages. Understanding this avoids writing incorrect information in contracts, platform filings, and enforcement materials.
When Each Number Arises
- Application number: assigned after a trademark registration application is filed and accepted by CNIPA. The number stated on the acceptance notice is the application number, which can be used to check examination progress, procedural status, and issued documents;
- Registration number: after the trademark passes the preliminary approval announcement and is approved for registration—because no opposition was filed within the announcement period or the opposition was not sustained—the number stated on the Trademark Registration Certificate is the registration number. The trademark then enters the register and enjoys exclusive rights.
Under CNIPA's practice, applications and registrations use the same numbering sequence: the number is called the application number during the application stage, and the same number becomes the registration number once registration is approved. Search results on the China Trademark Network also display "registration number/application number" as a combined field.
Note that as long as an application is ultimately not approved for registration, it will never have a registration number—its number remains an application number. Treating acceptance as registration is the most common expression error.
Usage Scenarios in Different Proceedings
- Search and monitoring: the application number can be used to check the examination process and current status; the registration number can be used to check the registration announcement, the term of the exclusive right, and subsequent change records;
- Refusal review: a review application must state the application number and attach the Trademark Refusal Notice;
- Opposition, invalidation, and non-use cancellation: these respectively target the preliminary approval number and the registration number;
- Change, assignment, renewal, and licensing recordation: all take the registration number as the core identifier;
- Platform brand filing and entity verification: e-commerce platforms, app stores, and mini-programs usually require the registration number or a scan of the registration certificate;
- Enforcement: claims of exclusive rights cite the registration number; claims regarding the examination stage cite the application number.
Special Situations: Multi-Class Applications and Division
Under a multi-class application, one application corresponds to one application number and one registration number spanning multiple classes; the number is not split by class.
Where a partial refusal occurs and a division application is filed, CNIPA will divide the original application into two, generate a new application number for the divided-out preliminary approved portion, and publish it for announcement (Article 22 of the Implementing Regulations of the Trademark Law). The same trademark then corresponds to two numbers, and subsequent changes, renewals, and monitoring must be tracked separately—the ledger cannot keep only one record.
Practical Points and Common Pitfalls
- Pitfall one: saying "registered" when it is only "accepted." Acceptance merely means the application formalities are complete and examination has begun; it is far from obtaining exclusive rights. Claiming a registered trademark on a platform with an unregistered number carries the risk of false advertising;
- Pitfall two: writing the application number as the registration number in contracts and authorization materials. The numbers may be identical, but the rights status differs; a mistake hands the other party a handle;
- Pitfall three: assuming that checking one class captures the whole picture. For a multi-class or divided trademark, the complete numbers are needed to confirm the scope of rights and the list of items;
- Maintaining a trademark ledger recording the numbers, classes, designated items, term of the exclusive right, next renewal date, and the agency is the standard practice for managing multiple trademarks.
The application of these concepts in practice varies in detail; before proceeding, you may consult a registered agent via MyTMBee for targeted analysis.