China IP Guide — Trademarks

A Practical Guide to China Trademark Filing for Foreign Brands

When to file, how the first-to-file system works in practice, Chinese-character brand name strategy, and what to do if your mark has already been registered by a third party.

China IP Gateway | Trademarks | Foreign brands & startups

Guide in Preparation

Full guide content coming soon

This guide is currently being finalized. It will cover trademark timing, first-to-file strategy, Chinese brand name registration, and options when your mark has already been registered by a third party.

In the meantime, you can read the complete guide on IP protection in China — which includes a detailed trademark chapter — or contact us with a specific trademark question.

What this guide will cover

Why China trademark filing should happen before manufacture, market entry, or any Chinese exposure
How the first-to-file system works and why home-country registration does not protect you in China
Chinese-character brand name registration strategy: why it matters and how to select a name
What to do if your trademark has already been registered by a third party in China
Trademark classes, filing sequences, and how to structure a multi-category filing
Brand protection for OEM and white-label product companies
Common mistakes foreign brands make in their first China trademark filing