Trademark Registration
Overview
Registering a trademark in China is a critical step in protecting your brand, preventing counterfeits, and asserting legal rights in the event of infringement. With the increasing number of copycat apps and brand misuse in the Chinese app ecosystem, obtaining a Chinese trademark ensures your brand identity is protected across app stores, legal channels, and digital platforms.
Even if you already hold a trademark in your home country, we still recommend a separate registration in China to gain protection under Chinese law.
Why It Matters
- Prevent Counterfeit Apps: App stores in China may list unauthorized clones that imitate your brand name, icon, or content. A registered trademark enables takedown requests and legal action.
- Secure Brand Value: Ensure your logo, name, and identity are recognized as legally yours—protecting your investment and user trust.
- Support App Store Submissions: In some special cases (e.g., using a common name recognized by the app store), some app stores may require proof of trademark registration for app approval.
- Enable Legal Enforcement: If infringement occurs, local registration is essential for filing complaints or lawsuits.
What Can Be Registered?
You can register:
- App name (in English or Chinese)
- Company or service name
- App icon or logo (graphical trademark)
- Slogan or taglines (under certain conditions)
We can help you evaluate what aspects of your brand are most strategic to register.
Why Class 9 Trademark Is Essential for Apps
If you want to ensure your app name is protected from being used by other apps in Chinese app stores, you must register your trademark under Class 9, which covers computer software and mobile applications.
- Class 9 is the standard category for all apps and software in China's trademark classification system.
- Without a Class 9 registration, you may not be able to stop other developers from using a similar name or icon in app stores.
- Some Chinese app stores may even reject your takedown request if you don’t hold a valid trademark in this category.
We strongly recommend all app publishers register their brand or app name under Class 9 as the minimum protection required for mobile software in China.
Required Materials
| # | Item | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trademark name or logo image | Yes | The exact name/design you wish to protect |
| 2 | Trademark class selection | Yes | Based on China’s classification system (e.g. Class 9 for software) |
| 3 | Business license | Yes | For overseas companies, a notarized certificate with Chinese translation is required |
| 4 | Priority documents (Optional) | Optional | If you’ve registered elsewhere and want to claim priority |
Both Chinese and non-Chinese entities can register trademarks in China. If you are an overseas company, you must provide a notarized business certificate (e.g., certificate of incorporation) along with an official Chinese translation. A local trademark agent is required to file the application on your behalf.
Filing Process
-
Trademark Search
Check for potential conflicts and prior registrations using China’s public trademark database. -
Application Submission
Submit the trademark to the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) via an authorized agent. -
Formal Examination
CNIPA conducts a formality check and publishes the trademark if accepted. -
Publication & Objection Period
The trademark is publicly listed for three months to allow third-party objections. -
Approval & Certificate Issuance
If no objections are raised (or they are rejected), your trademark will be registered and valid for 10 years.
Timeline
The full process typically takes 10–15 months from application to certificate issuance. Expedited versions are not currently available.
Once registered, the trademark is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.
Additional Services
We also offer:
- Chinese Name Strategy: Guidance on choosing and registering a Chinese brand name before someone else does.
- Brand Monitoring: Ongoing scans of Chinese app stores to detect misuse or impersonation.
- Enforcement Support: Help with app takedown requests, cease-and-desist letters, or legal action.
Need Help?
We work with certified agents and legal professionals in China to help you secure your trademark and protect your app’s identity.
Contact us for assistance with trademark registration and brand protection.