Foshan Trademark Registration & Madrid Protocol Agency Services
China Trademark Registration · Madrid International Registration · Brand Protection · Portfolio Management
Finerise Consultants provides full-process agency services for China trademark registration and Madrid Protocol international registration. Our team handles trademark search, filing, examination tracking, office action responses, opposition, renewal, and international portfolio management — so your brand is protected at every stage.
China operates a strict first-to-file system under the Trademark Law of the People's Republic of China (revised June 2026). Rights go to whoever files first, not whoever used the mark first. Foreign applicants without a habitual residence or business domicile in China must entrust a CNIPA-approved trademark agency to handle trademark filing and related matters. Self-filing is not permitted for foreign applicants.
Whether you are registering your first trademark in China, extending an existing international registration to China through the Madrid System, or managing a multi-country portfolio, our English-speaking advisors will map out the optimal filing strategy and handle the process on your behalf.
China Trademark Registration — Full-Process Agency
DOMESTIC ROUTE · CNIPA FILING HANDLED BY OUR TEAM
Registering a trademark in China protects your brand across all 45 classes under the Nice Classification. China layers its own domestic subclass system on top of the international framework, and a registration only protects the specific goods and services actually listed. Our team ensures your filing covers the right classes and subclasses for your business.
Our China Trademark Registration Process
1
Pre-Filing Search & Risk Assessment
Our team conducts a comprehensive search across the CNIPA database to identify identical or similar marks, assess the likelihood of registration, and advise on trademark distinctiveness and compliance. We provide a professional search report with actionable recommendations.
2
Application Preparation & Filing
We prepare the complete application package — including the Trademark Registration Application Form, trademark representation, applicant qualification documents, and power of attorney — and file electronically with CNIPA to obtain the application number and filing date. All documents are prepared by our team and submitted on your behalf through the CNIPA online service system.
3
Formality Examination
CNIPA conducts a formality check to verify that application documents are complete and compliant and that the trademark representation is legible. If deficiencies are found, our team prepares and files the required corrections within the specified period. This stage typically takes approximately one month.
4
Substantive Examination
Examiners assess the application on absolute grounds (distinctiveness, prohibited use) and relative grounds (conflict with prior trademarks) within the statutory nine-month period. If an office action or rejection is issued, our team prepares and files the response.
5
Publication & Opposition Monitoring
Approved applications are published in the Trademark Gazette for a three-month opposition period. Our team monitors the publication and, if an opposition is filed against your mark, prepares and files the defence within the statutory period. We also monitor for conflicting applications filed by third parties.
6
Registration Certificate Issuance
Upon successful completion of the opposition period with no valid opposition, CNIPA issues the Trademark Registration Certificate. Our team collects the certificate and provides you with the registration details. The typical timeline from filing to registration is approximately 7–9 months in straightforward cases.
Madrid Protocol International Trademark Registration
INTERNATIONAL ROUTE · ONE APPLICATION · MULTIPLE COUNTRIES
The Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks, administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), allows trademark owners to seek protection in multiple countries through a single international application. China acceded to the Madrid Agreement in 1989 and to the Madrid Protocol, which has applied to China since December 1, 1995.
Through the Madrid System, you file one application with CNIPA (as the office of origin), which forwards it to WIPO. WIPO conducts a formality examination and then notifies each designated contracting party, which conducts substantive examination under its own national law. This centralised process simplifies multi-country filing, reduces costs, and allows portfolio management through a single registration.
Madrid Protocol Filing Process
1
Eligibility Confirmation & Base Mark Verification
To file through the Madrid System with China as the office of origin, you must have a real and effective industrial or commercial establishment in China, or be domiciled in China, or hold Chinese nationality. The application must be based on an existing Chinese trademark application or registration. Our team verifies eligibility and confirms the base mark status.
2
Designated Contracting Parties & Class Strategy
We work with you to determine which Madrid contracting parties to designate and which classes to cover. A mark cannot designate China itself in an international application originating from China. Our team prepares a designation strategy that balances coverage and cost.
3
Application Preparation & Filing with CNIPA
We prepare the Madrid International Registration Application Form, the MM2 form, applicant qualification documents, and power of attorney, and file with CNIPA's International Registration Division. CNIPA conducts a formality examination and forwards the application to WIPO.
4
WIPO International Registration & Certificate
WIPO reviews the application for compliance with the Madrid Protocol and Regulations. Upon approval, WIPO issues the International Registration Certificate and notifies each designated contracting party.
5
Designated Party Examination & Protection
Each designated contracting party examines the international registration under its own national law. If protection is granted, a Statement of Grant of Protection is issued. If refused, our team handles the response through local counsel where required. Our team monitors the status in each designated jurisdiction and keeps you informed.
Our Trademark Agency Services
WHAT WE DO · Full-Spectrum Trademark Protection
01
China Trademark Registration
End-to-end agency service for filing trademark applications with CNIPA. We handle search, class selection, application preparation, filing, examination tracking, and certificate collection on your behalf.
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02
Madrid International Registration
Full-process agency for Madrid Protocol applications. We handle eligibility assessment, designation strategy, MM2 form preparation, CNIPA filing, WIPO coordination, and designated party monitoring.
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03
Trademark Search & Clearance
Comprehensive pre-filing searches across the CNIPA database to identify conflicts, assess registration likelihood, and advise on distinctiveness and class strategy before filing.
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04
Opposition & Office Action Response
Our team prepares and files responses to office actions and rejections, handles opposition proceedings, and provides defence support if your mark is opposed by a third party.
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05
Trademark Renewal & Change
We manage trademark renewals, changes of name or address, assignments, and recordal of licence agreements. Renewal applications must be filed within 12 months before expiry, with a 6-month grace period available under Article 40 of the Trademark Law.
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06
Global Portfolio Management
Strategic management of multi-country trademark portfolios. We coordinate filings across the Madrid System and direct national routes, monitor deadlines, and provide consolidated portfolio reports.
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Timeline Reference for Trademark Registration
KEY MILESTONES · For Planning Purposes Only
China Domestic Filing — Typical Timeline
- Formality examination: Approximately 1 month after filing.
- Substantive examination: Within the statutory 9-month period from the date of acceptance.
- Publication & opposition period: 3 months from the date of preliminary approval publication.
- Total (straightforward cases): Approximately 7–9 months from filing to registration certificate issuance.
Madrid Protocol — International Phase
- CNIPA formality examination: Approximately 1–2 months.
- WIPO formality examination and registration: Approximately 1–2 months after receipt from CNIPA.
- Designated party substantive examination: 12 months for Madrid Agreement contracting parties, 18 months for Madrid Protocol contracting parties from the date of notification by WIPO.
Important: Timelines are indicative and vary depending on the complexity of the mark, the number of classes, and the examination workload of each office. Our team tracks your application at every stage and provides regular status updates.
Related Services for Brand Owners in China
BEYOND TRADEMARK REGISTRATION · Full Brand Protection
01
Company Registration
WFOE, joint venture, and representative office setup in Foshan. Our team handles entity selection, name pre-approval, document preparation, and post-registration procedures.
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02
Work Permit & Z Visa
Full-process work permit and Z visa applications for foreign employees and their families, including talent classification and residence permit conversion.
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03
Bookkeeping & Tax Filing
Monthly bookkeeping under PRC GAAP, VAT filing, CIT annual reconciliation, export VAT refunds, and annual compliance for foreign-invested enterprises.
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04
Corporate Compliance
Annual reporting, company changes, deregistration, and document notarisation. We manage NECIPS, MOFCOM, and SAFE annual filings.
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05
Offshore Company Formation
Hong Kong, Singapore, BVI, UK, and US company formation with bank account opening support for cross-border structures.
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06
China Market Entry Advisory
Strategic advisory for foreign brands entering the Chinese market, including entity structure, IP protection, and regulatory compliance planning.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Trademark Registration in China
COMMON QUESTIONS FROM FOREIGN BRAND OWNERS
Q1: Can a foreign applicant file a trademark directly with CNIPA?
No. Under Article 11 of the Trademark Law of the People's Republic of China, foreign applicants without a habitual residence or business domicile in China must entrust a CNIPA-approved trademark agency to handle trademark filing and related matters. Self-filing is not permitted. Our team is duly registered and handles the entire process on your behalf.
Q2: What is the first-to-file system and why does it matter?
China operates a strict first-to-file system. Trademark rights are granted to whoever files first, regardless of who used the mark first. This means a competitor or bad-faith filer can register your brand before you do, potentially blocking your market entry. Early filing is essential. Our team conducts pre-filing searches and advises on the optimal filing strategy.
Q3: How long does China trademark registration take?
In straightforward cases with no office actions or oppositions, the total timeline is approximately 7–9 months from filing to registration: about 1 month for formality examination, substantive examination within the statutory 9-month period, and 3 months for publication and opposition. Our team tracks the application at every stage and responds to any office actions on your behalf.
Q4: What is the Madrid Protocol and how does it benefit my brand?
The Madrid Protocol is an international treaty administered by WIPO that allows trademark owners to seek protection in multiple countries through a single application. Instead of filing separately in each country, you file one application through CNIPA, designate the countries you want protection in, and WIPO coordinates the process. This simplifies filing, reduces costs, and allows centralised portfolio management through one registration.
Q5: What is the difference between filing in China directly and through the Madrid System?
Direct filing with CNIPA is the domestic route — it protects your mark only in mainland China. The Madrid System is the international route — it allows you to extend protection to multiple contracting parties through one application. For foreign brand owners, the choice depends on your market strategy. If China is your primary market, direct filing may suffice. If you are building a multi-country portfolio, the Madrid System offers significant efficiency advantages. Our advisors help you choose the optimal route.
Q6: What happens if my trademark is opposed in China?
After a trademark is preliminarily approved, it is published for a three-month opposition period. If a third party files an opposition, our team prepares and files the defence on your behalf, presenting arguments and evidence to support your registration. We also monitor the Trademark Gazette for conflicting applications and take appropriate action where necessary.
Ready to Protect Your Brand in China?
CONTACT US · Confidential Consultation in English
Whether you are registering your first trademark in China, extending an existing international registration through the Madrid System, or managing a multi-country portfolio, Finerise Consultants is ready to assist. Our advisors will assess your brand strategy, recommend the optimal filing route, and provide a detailed quotation.
Contact us for a confidential consultation. All communication is conducted in English, and we handle the entire process on your behalf — from pre-filing search to registration certificate collection and ongoing portfolio management.
