Trademark registration in China
Register your brand in China before someone else does and secure your market
In China, trademark rights generally go to whoever files first. Yeni İpekyolu coordinates the process in Turkish with licensed Chinese trademark agents to register both the Latin-script and Chinese versions of your brand in the right classes and subclasses.
Trademark registration in China: first to file wins, early movers are protected
Why trademark registration in China should not wait
Having a registered trademark in Türkiye does not give you automatic protection in China. China applies a system that generally grants trademark rights to the first applicant; in other words, even if you have never used your brand there, the right may go to someone who files before you. Turkish brands that attend fairs, have products made by Chinese manufacturers or look for distributors in China can face such bad-faith filings. Although opposition and invalidation routes exist, they are long and demanding. At Yeni İpekyolu we recommend protecting your brand before the product enters China, ideally even before your first factory meeting.
A trademark registration is not only a shield against copies but also infrastructure for your business. Platforms such as Tmall Global and JD typically ask for a registered trademark or an application certificate when you open a store, and customs recordation also relies on registration. Preventing a Chinese manufacturer from selling goods made for you to third parties, protecting your rights in distributor contracts and licensing later on are all much easier with a registered mark. We confirm platform and customs requirements separately against the current rules.
Classes, subclasses and the Chinese version of your mark
In China, goods and services are grouped according to the international Nice classification, but China further divides each class into subgroups and protection is largely assessed at that subgroup level. Choosing a class number is therefore not enough; you need to identify correctly which subgroups your product and related products you may sell later fall into. For a food brand, for example, snacks, beverages and confectionery may sit in different classes or subgroups. Together with the licensed agent, we prepare a coverage proposal that is broad enough for your business plan without unnecessary cost.
Chinese consumers and media often give foreign brands their own Chinese names. If you do not choose and register an official Chinese name, a name circulating in the market may be registered by someone else. We therefore recommend protecting the Chinese-character version alongside your Latin-script mark, and the logo if needed, through separate applications. For the meaning, pronunciation and associations of the Chinese name we work hand in hand with our Chinese brand naming service. Before filing, a prior search for similar marks is carried out and the risks are reported to you in Turkish.
From application to registration and protection afterwards
The application is filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) through a licensed Chinese trademark agent. After the filing is accepted, formal and substantive examination follows, then the mark is published and, once the opposition period has passed, the registration certificate is issued. The whole process typically takes several months and may take longer in case of refusal, partial refusal or opposition. Designating China via the international Madrid system is also possible, but because of the subgroup structure a direct national filing is often preferred. We confirm together which suits you based on current rules.
A registration is typically valid for ten years and can be renewed. Because marks left unused for a long time may be exposed to cancellation requests by third parties, we recommend keeping evidence of sales, promotion and fair participation in China on a regular basis. At Yeni İpekyolu we continue coordinating with the agent after registration on steps such as watching, opposing similar filings, customs recordation and brand authorisation on platforms. We translate official correspondence into Turkish, put deadlines in the calendar and tell you clearly which decision is needed and when.
Who should prioritise trademark registration in China?
Brands planning to sell in China
For food, cosmetics, textile and home goods brands that want to be on Tmall Global, JD, Douyin or Xiaohongshu, registration is a basic step. Platform applications typically ask for trademark documents.
Companies manufacturing in China
Turkish companies that have products made under their own brand in Chinese factories should protect themselves early against the risk of manufacturers or middlemen registering their mark. Registration also strengthens your hand in manufacturing contracts.
Exporters attending fairs or seeking distributors
Filing before showing your brand at a fair in China or sharing it with a distributor prevents possible bad-faith registrations. Going into meetings with a protected brand also builds trust.
What we do for you in the trademark process
Scope and class analysis
We listen to your products and growth plans and prepare a class and subgroup proposal with the agent, explaining in Turkish why each item matters.
Prior search and risk report
Before filing, a search is made for identical or similar marks. We share the results and possible alternatives in a clear report.
Chinese version of the mark
We plan the selection and separate registration of your brand's Chinese-character name, combining it with our Chinese brand naming service.
Filing and official correspondence
The licensed agent files the application; we prepare, translate and follow up the power of attorney and documents, and report official decisions and deadlines in Turkish.
Protection after registration
We coordinate with the agent on watching similar filings, oppositions, customs recordation and platform brand authorisation, and remind you of renewal dates.
Service summary and requirements
| Filing authority | China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) |
|---|---|
| Delivered by | Yeni İpekyolu and licensed Chinese trademark agents |
| Pricing | Quote based on number of marks and classes |
| Service languages | Turkish · Chinese · English |
| Cities served | Guangzhou · Shenzhen · Yiwu · Shanghai · Hangzhou · Beijing (coordinated from our Istanbul office) |
The final price and timeline depend on the scope; we send you a clear quote promptly.
What you need to provide
- Brand name and logo file if any (high resolution)
- A list of your products and services with short descriptions
- Applicant company name, address and registry details
- A signed power of attorney (we prepare the draft)
- Any existing registrations in Türkiye or other countries
How trademark registration in China proceeds
- 1
Information gathering
We learn about your brand, logo, products and China plans, and clarify the need for Latin-script and Chinese versions.
- 2
Search and scope
The agent runs a prior search and we report the results in Turkish. We finalise the class and subgroup list with you.
- 3
Documents and filing
We prepare the power of attorney and company documents and translate them if needed. The licensed agent files with CNIPA.
- 4
Examination and publication
We follow examination and any refusal or opposition, preparing the response strategy with the agent when needed.
- 5
Registration and monitoring
We deliver the registration certificate with its translation, then manage monitoring, use evidence and the renewal calendar with you.
Frequently asked questions
Isn't my Turkish registration valid in China?
No, trademark rights are territorial and a Turkish registration does not give automatic protection in China. A separate filing in China is needed; the Madrid system based on your existing registration can also be considered.
What if someone has already registered my brand in China?
Depending on the case, opposition, invalidation or non-use cancellation may be considered. We review your case with a licensed agent, gather your evidence and explain the best strategy in Turkish. That is why filing early is always more advantageous.
Do I also need to register a Chinese name?
If you plan to sell or promote in China, we strongly recommend it. Consumers mostly refer to brands by their Chinese names; if you do not set and register an official name, a name in circulation may be registered by someone else.
How long does registration take?
It typically takes several months and may take longer in case of refusal or opposition. Your priority starts from the filing date, so filing early matters. We confirm current examination times with the agent.
How many classes should I file in?
It depends on your product range and China plans. Besides your main product we also consider adjacent subgroups that bad-faith filers might target, proposing a balanced scope without unnecessary cost.
Can I file without a company in China?
Yes, foreign companies can typically file in the name of their Turkish company through a licensed Chinese agent. You do not need a company in China; we prepare the power of attorney and documents for you.
What happens if I do not use the mark after registration?
Marks unused for a long time may face cancellation requests from third parties. We therefore recommend regularly keeping sales, promotion and fair documents from China, and we build the use-evidence file with you.
Tell us what you need in China
Our consultant reviews your needs for free and gives you a clear price and timeline.
