China Law Key Words · Practice Area
Intellectual Property
Protecting and enforcing patents, trademarks, copyright, and trade secrets in China—filing strategy, first-to-file realities, platform enforcement, and litigation/arbitration options.
- Brands trademarks
- Tech patents & secrets
- Enforce courts & platforms
- Counsel verified directory
What IP practice covers
Create rights, police the market, and resolve disputes
Trademarks
First-to-file strategy, oppositions, bad-faith filings, and brand enforcement.
Patents
Invention, utility model, and design pathways; freedom-to-operate themes.
Trade secrets
Confidentiality systems, employee exits, and misappropriation claims.
Unfair competition & platforms
Anti-unfair competition claims and e-commerce takedown playbooks.
Start with these guides
Flagship explainers and practical orientation
China intellectual property law
Patents, trademarks, and copyright orientation for foreign rights holders.
Open guide →TrademarksTrademark registration (first-to-file)
How China’s first-to-file system shapes brand strategy.
Read →SecretsTrade secrets protection
Legal framework and enforcement themes for confidential information.
Read →KeywordPatents keyword hub
Articles and guides on patent strategy and disputes.
Open →KeywordTrademarks keyword hub
Brand filing and enforcement content cluster.
Open →PlatformsE-commerce IP takedown
Brand playbook for platform enforcement in China.
Read →IP playbook for market entry
File early; enforce with evidence
- Clear and file trademarks before launch First-to-file rewards early, clean applications.
- Map patent coverage to product roadmap Utility models and designs can be strategic in China.
- Build trade-secret hygiene Access controls and exit interviews matter as much as NDAs.
- Monitor platforms and fairs Online and offline infringement often appear together.
- Preserve purchase evidence for enforcement Notarised buys and chain-of-custody win cases.
- Choose venue strategy early IP courts, administrative raids, and customs recordals are different tools.
Related topics & directories
Continue into neighbouring practice areas
Frequently asked questions
Orientation only—not legal advice
Should we register trademarks before selling in China?
Usually yes. First-to-file dynamics make early filing a core risk control for brands.
Are trade secrets protected without registration?
Yes, but you must prove secrecy measures and misappropriation. Systems evidence is critical.
Can platforms remove counterfeits quickly?
Often via notice-and-takedown processes if rights and evidence packages are complete. See the e-commerce takedown guide.
When do we need litigation counsel?
Serial counterfeiters, employee theft of secrets, or high-value patent disputes. Use the IP lawyer directory.
Need China IP counsel?
Connect with verified IP lawyers or start with the national IP guide.
Directory and legal information only—not legal advice. No attorney–client relationship is formed by using this site. Rules and thresholds change; verify current requirements for your facts and jurisdiction.
Guides & articles
Practical writing from counsel and the portal editorial team on this topic