Key Takeaway

Your China trademark is valid for 10 years from the registration date. If you miss the renewal window, your mark expires and anyone can register it. The renewal process must begin within 12 months before expiry. After expiry, there's a 6-month grace period — but with surcharges. After that, the mark is gone permanently. Don't let years of brand protection disappear over a forgotten deadline.

Why Renewal Matters More Than Registration

You spent months — maybe years — registering your trademark in China. You navigated the first-to-file system, survived the 9-12 month examination process, and finally received your registration certificate. Congratulations.

But here's what many brand owners forget: trademark registration is not permanent. In China, trademarks are valid for exactly 10 years. If you don't renew, you lose everything — and squatters are waiting for exactly this moment.

Companies like Apple, Nike, and Starbucks maintain dedicated teams to manage trademark portfolios globally. For smaller brands, a single missed deadline can undo years of protection.

The Renewal Timeline

Standard Renewal Window

Period Action Cost
12 months before expiry Renewal window opens Standard fee (RMB 450/class)
6 months before expiry Recommended filing deadline Standard fee
At expiry Grace period begins Standard fee + surcharge
6 months after expiry Grace period ends Mark cancelled

When to File

Best practice: File your renewal application 6-12 months before expiry. This gives you buffer time if there are any issues with the application.

Why so early? If CNIPA finds problems with your renewal (incorrect documentation, fee issues, classification changes), you need time to correct them. Filing at the last minute leaves no room for error.

The Grace Period

If you miss the 12-month window, you still have a 6-month grace period after expiry. During this period:

  • You can still renew, but must pay an additional surcharge
  • Your trademark protection is technically expired during this period
  • Third parties may challenge your rights during the gap
  • Any use during the gap may not count as "continuous use"

After the grace period, the mark is cancelled and becomes available for anyone to register — including squatters who may have been monitoring your expiry date.

The Renewal Process

Step 1: Check Your Expiry Date

Your registration certificate shows the expiry date (10 years from registration). If you registered in 2015, your mark expires in 2025. Don't assume you'll remember — set calendar reminders.

Step 2: Verify Current Use Requirements

China requires that registered trademarks be in genuine commercial use. If your mark hasn't been used for 3 consecutive years, a third party can apply for cancellation on non-use grounds.

Before renewing, ensure you can demonstrate:

  • Products or services sold under the mark in China
  • Marketing materials featuring the mark
  • Business documents referencing the mark
  • Online presence using the mark

Step 3: File the Renewal Application

Submit to CNIPA:

  • Renewal application form
  • Registration certificate copy
  • Payment of renewal fees (RMB 450 per class)
  • Power of attorney (if using an agent)

Step 4: Receive Confirmation

CNIPA typically processes renewals within 1-3 months. Once approved, your mark is protected for another 10 years.

Common Renewal Mistakes

1. Forgetting the Deadline

The most common and most costly mistake. Set multiple reminders — 12 months, 6 months, and 3 months before expiry. Better yet, work with a trademark agent who manages deadlines for you.

2. Failing to Maintain Use

If you haven't used the mark in 3 years, renewal is technically possible but pointless — a third party will file for cancellation immediately after. See our monitoring guide for defense strategies.

3. Not Updating Classification

The Nice Classification system is updated periodically. Your original trademark class may have been reorganized. Verify that your goods/services are correctly classified under the current system.

4. Ignoring Portfolio Review

Renewal is an opportunity to review your entire trademark portfolio. Are you registered in all the classes you need? Have your business activities expanded since registration? Consider adding new registrations alongside renewal.

5. Assuming International Registration Covers Renewal

If you registered through the Madrid Protocol, renewal must still be handled through WIPO and then CNIPA. The process is different from direct renewal and has its own deadlines.

Cost of Renewal vs. Cost of Losing Your Mark

Action Cost
Standard renewal RMB 450 per class (~$66 USD)
Grace period renewal RMB 450 + surcharge per class
Re-registration after expiry RMB 300 + agent fees + 9-12 months
Fighting a squatter $50,000-$500,000+ and years of litigation

The math is clear: renewing on time costs a few hundred dollars. Losing your mark and trying to recover it costs tens of thousands.

How RTMCN Can Help

At RTMCN, we manage trademark renewals for international clients. Our services include:

  • Deadline management: We track your renewal dates and send advance reminders
  • Renewal filing: We prepare and submit renewal applications to CNIPA
  • Portfolio review: We assess whether you need additional class registrations
  • Use documentation: We help you gather evidence of commercial use
  • Recovery support: If your mark has expired, we explore re-registration or acquisition options

Next Steps

Check your trademark expiry date today. If it's within 12 months, start the renewal process now.

Action items:

  1. Check your expiry date — We'll verify your registration status and upcoming deadlines
  2. Review your class coverage — Ensure you're protected in all relevant categories
  3. Read our registration guide — Understand the complete lifecycle of China trademark protection

Get a Free Consultation →

*Your trademark is only as strong as its renewal. Contact RTMCN to ensure you never miss a deadline.*