📋 The Complete Trademark Registration Timeline

1

Phase 1: Application Preparation

1-2 weeks

Trademark search, document preparation, classification selection, and application drafting.

Simple Trademarks:

  • • Single word or number
  • • Distinctive design
  • • No Chinese characters
  • • Single class

Complex Trademarks:

  • • Common words or phrases
  • • Descriptive terms
  • • Chinese characters
  • • Multiple classes
2

Phase 2: Formal Examination

1-3 months

CNIPA reviews application for completeness, checks for obvious conflicts, and verifies documentation.

⚠️ Common Issues:
  • • Incomplete documentation
  • • Incorrect classification
  • • Missing information
  • • Fee issues
3

Phase 3: Substantive Examination

6-9 months

Detailed review of trademark, comparison with existing marks, assessment of distinctiveness, and check for prohibited elements.

Fast Track (6 months):

  • • Simple, distinctive marks
  • • No conflicts found
  • • Complete documentation

Standard (8-9 months):

  • • Common or descriptive marks
  • • Potential conflicts
  • • High-volume periods
4

Phase 4: Publication for Opposition

3 months (fixed)

Trademark published in Trademark Gazette. 3-month opposition period begins. Third parties can file objections. No extensions possible.

5

Phase 5: Registration Certificate

1-2 months

If no opposition filed, CNIPA issues registration certificate. Trademark officially registered with 10-year protection.