Stay in control of your brand and products by registering your trademark in China
The Chinese office which registers trademarks works on a first come first served base. For the Chinese trademark office it doesn’t matter whether the registering entity is also the rightful owner of the brand. This enabled a vast gray market where brands are registered on large scale and sold after successful registration. When you plan to or do business with China it is imperative to register your brand early on. If you aren’t the owner of your own brand in China, then this can lead to some serious legal consequences as well as trouble importing and exporting your products. The Dutch Chinese Chamber of Commerce helps you register your brand or open a dispute to get ownership over your brand. Members of the Chamber can apply for a free pre-check on their brands.
It is important to register your brand as soon as possible when you do business with China. While you might be the owner of your brand in Europe, this is no guarantee your brand is still unregistered in China. You’re in danger of brand theft when you make your brand visible in China, for example when you visit a trade show.
When your logo or brand name is registered with the Chinese trademark office it takes about a month until your brand is protected. After that it takes another two months to a year for the office to reject or take in your application. A year after the application, when everything is in order, the trademark will for the time being be registered to your name.
Pre-check Trademark Registration
- Ready in 48 hours
- Digital Report
- English version
- Deductible in subsequent trade registration
- Expert’s advice when applicable
Logo / Brand name Registration
- Including Pre-check
- Registration of Trademark (One class, ten sub-classes)
- Advice which categories to register*²
- Checks on progress
- Sending of the original certificate
* Members / Sponsor discounts are applicable to these products.
*² For each additional class a fee of €250 ex. VAT will be charged.
In case of a dispute
When your trademark or brand name is already registered in China by someone else, there are several ways to get ownership over your brand name. The Dutch Chinese Chamber of Commerce can assist you in mediation or file and resolve a dispute against the Chinese entity. However, the process of a dispute is long and might take up to two years or more. Until you own the trademark your business in China is endangered, since the owner of the trademark can stop your imports and exports. Therefore, NCHK strongly advises to act (or – open a dispute) as quick as possible to reduce your financial loss.