China Trademark Registration — First-to-File System & Protection

China operates a first-to-file trademark system where the first applicant to file obtains priority regardless of prior use. Registration takes 6�12 months through a registered Chinese trademark agent.

Registration Process

1. Search � Check availability on CNIPA database
2. File application � Through registered Chinese agent
3. Formal examination � 1�2 months
4. Substantive examination � 6�9 months
5. Publication � 3-month opposition period
6. Registration � Certificate issued

Key Strategies

Register marks in Chinese characters (most enforceable form), file across all relevant Nice classes, and monitor for bad-faith filings. Well-known marks receive broader protection even without registration in China. Trademark renewal required every 10 years.