No. Chinese law does not require the trademark registration number to be indicated on product packaging. Article 63 of the Implementing Regulations of the Trademark Law only provides: when using a registered trademark, the words "registered trademark" or a registration mark (®) may be indicated on the goods, the packaging of the goods, the manual, or other attachments. Marking is a right, not an obligation.
Practical Notes on the Registration Number
- Indicating it is voluntary: many companies print "Trademark Registration Certificate No.: XXXXXXX" on the back of packaging to publicize the status of the right, facilitate consumer verification, and deter counterfeiting — but omitting it is not illegal;
- If indicated, it must be accurate: once indicated, the registration number should match the trademark registration certificate; a wrong number or someone else's registration number may be misleading and, in serious cases, carries legal risk;
- The (®) is likewise not mandatory: omitting the (®) does not affect the acquisition or maintenance of the exclusive right; non-use cancellation examination looks at actual use, not at whether the (®) is used.
Related Genuine Obligations
Although the registration number is not mandatory, packaging carries other mandatory marking obligations that are easily confused with it, for example:
- Goods under a license must indicate the licensee's name and the origin of the goods (Article 43 of the Trademark Law);
- The manufacturer name and address, applicable standards, etc., required by the Product Quality Law.
Recommendation
The compliant practice on packaging is: place the registration mark (®) at the upper right corner of the registered trademark, and indicate the registration number and registrant information on the back of the packaging or in the manual; after any change of information (name, address), promptly file a change application and update the packaging, keeping the certificate, the mark, and the packaging consistent with one another.
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