China Law Key Words · Intellectual Property
Trademarks
Protecting brands under China’s first-to-file trademark system—clearance, filing strategy, oppositions, and enforcement against counterfeits and copycats.
- File first-to-file
- Defend opposition
- Enforce raids & platforms
- Counsel directory
What trademark practice covers
Create rights, then police the market
Trademark squatting
Fight, buy back, or rebrand when someone filed your brand first.
Open pillar BoFuTrademark opposition
3-month deadline, costs, grounds, CNIPA steps.
Read guideRegistration strategy
Classes, subclasses, device marks, and defensive filings.
Bad-faith & opposition
Squatters, non-use cancellation, and opposition timelines.
Enforcement
Administrative, civil, and criminal options against counterfeits.
Platform takedowns
Notice packages for major e-commerce marketplaces.
Start with these guides
Flagship explainers and practical orientation
Trademark registration (first-to-file)
How first-to-file shapes brand strategy in China.
Read guide →OverviewChina IP law guide
Patents, trademarks, and copyright orientation.
Open →PlatformsE-commerce IP takedown
Brand playbook for marketplace enforcement.
Read →ParentIP keyword hub
Full intellectual property centre.
Open →RelatedUnfair competition
When brand issues sit outside pure TM registration.
Open →RelatedPatents
Technology protection alongside brands.
Open →Brand playbook for China launch
File before marketing spend
- Search and clear early Conflicts and squatters appear after marketing, not before—unless you search.
- File core classes before launch First-to-file rewards speed and clean specs.
- Consider Chinese-character marks Local brand versions often need separate protection.
- Monitor publications and platforms Opposition windows are easy to miss.
- Build a takedown evidence kit Certificates, authorisations, and specimen packs ready to send.
- Record customs IP where relevant Border measures help against physical counterfeits.
Related topics & directories
Continue into neighbouring practice areas
Frequently asked questions
Orientation only—not legal advice
Do we need a China trademark if we only sell online into China?
Often yes if you care about brand control, platform enforcement, or local partners. First-to-file dynamics still apply.
What if someone already filed our brand?
Options may include opposition, invalidation, non-use cancellation, purchase, or rebrand—fact-specific and time-sensitive.
Is © or ™ notice enough without registration?
Notices help communication but do not replace registration for strong trademark rights in China.
When do we need a trademark lawyer?
Squatter disputes, multi-class portfolios, or large-scale counterfeiting. Use the trademark lawyer directory.
Need China trademark counsel?
Find verified IP lawyers or start with the first-to-file 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