Insights
China Trademark Blog
Expert insights on trademark registration, brand protection, and IP strategy for international businesses entering the Chinese market.
How to Search China's Trademark Database for Free: A Complete Guide
CNIPA's trademark database is free to search but entirely in Chinese. This guide walks you through how to search, what to look for, and when to get professional help.
Selling on Amazon China or Tmall? You Need a Trademark First
Tmall, JD.com, Douyin Shop, and Amazon all require a registered Chinese trademark. Learn the platform requirements and why you should file now.
How to Trademark a Logo vs a Word Mark in China
Learn the difference between word marks, design marks, and combination marks in China. Find out why filing separately gives you stronger protection.
China Trademark Renewal Guide: Don't Lose What You've Registered
Your China trademark expires after 10 years. Learn the renewal timeline, grace period, costs, and common mistakes to avoid.
What Happens If Someone Registers Your Trademark in China First?
You have four options: opposition, invalidation, negotiation, or rebranding. Act fast to protect your position.
Huawei Trademarked in the UK by a Non-Chinese Company
Trademark squatting works both ways. Huawei discovered its brand was registered by a third party in the UK.
How Coca-Cola Almost Got a Terrible Chinese Name
Before Coca-Cola became Ke Kou Ke Le, it was sold as tadpole chewing wax. Learn why proactive Chinese naming is essential.
Nike's Chinese Name Problem Nobody Talks About
Nike's Chinese name Nai Ke was nearly lost to squatters across multiple trademark classes.
Starbucks vs Xingbake: The ,000 Coffee Trademark Battle
Starbucks won a landmark trademark case against Shanghai Xingbake over its Chinese name. Learn what it means for your brand.
Disney's Trademark Nightmare in China: How Mickey Mouse Got Away
Disney spent years fighting Chinese trademark squatters who registered Mickey Mouse across multiple product categories.
Madrid Protocol vs Direct Filing in China: Which Path Is Right for You?
Compare Madrid Protocol and direct CNIPA filing for China trademark registration. See timelines, costs, risks, and which path fits your brand protection strategy.
China Trademark Monitoring and Protection Strategies
Learn essential strategies for monitoring and protecting your trademark in China. Comprehensive guide to enforcement, prevention, and brand protection.
Common Reasons for China Trademark Rejection
Learn the top 10 reasons for trademark rejection in China and how to avoid them. Expert guidance from RTMCN with 100% success rate.
China Trademark Classes: A Complete Guide
Comprehensive guide to China's trademark classification system. Learn about all 45 Nice Classification classes, how to choose the right classes, and multi-class registration strategies.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Trademark in China?
Complete guide to China trademark registration costs. Official CNIPA fees, agent costs, hidden expenses, and budget planning. Transparent pricing from RTMCN.
How Long Does It Take to Register a Trademark in China?
Learn about the complete trademark registration timeline in China. Typical processing is 10-14 months. Understand each phase and how to speed up the process.
Why China Uses "First-to-File" System? What to Do If Your Brand Gets Squatted
Learn why China uses the "first-to-file" trademark system and discover effective strategies to prevent and recover from trademark squatting. Includes real-world case studies and expert guidance.
Who Can Register a Trademark in China — No Nationality Restrictions
Learn about China's open-door policy for foreign trademark applicants. All nationalities can register through CNIPA with the help of a licensed agent. Covers legal framework, practical requirements, and special considerations.
China Trademark Registration Complete Guide (2026)
Everything you need to know about registering and protecting your trademark in China — from filing to certificate, costs to strategy. Covers CNIPA requirements, the first-to-file system, and expert tips for international businesses.
Apple Paid $60M for iPad in China: What Every Brand Must Learn
Apple had to pay $60 million to Proview Technology after failing to register the iPad trademark in China before launching.
Michael Jordan vs Qiaodan: An 8-Year Fight for His Own Name
A Chinese company built a billion-dollar sportswear empire using "Qiaodan." It took 8 years of litigation before the Supreme Court ruled in Jordan's favor.
New Balance Trademark Disaster: Paid Y5M to a Squatter
New Balance lost its Chinese transliteration trademark and paid Y5 million in damages to the squatter.
Hermes Chinese Name Trademark Battle: Years of Litigation
A Chinese company registered Hermes' Chinese name and used it openly. Years of court battles followed.
How Tesla Had to Secretly Buy Its Own Name
Tesla had to secretly acquire the "Tesla" trademark from a squatter before entering China.