China Trademark Registration Costs: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025
1. Key Takeaway Table: China Trademark Registration Costs at a Glance
Before diving into the details, here’s a quick overview of the primary costs associated with registering a trademark in China. This table provides a snapshot of official and agent fees, helping you plan your budget effectively.
| Cost Type | CNY (Chinese Yuan) | USD (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Official Fees (per class) | ||
| – E-application (up to 10 items) | 270 | 37 |
| – Paper application (up to 10 items) | 300 | 41 |
| – Additional item (e-application) | 27 per item | 3.73 per item |
| – Additional item (paper) | 30 per item | 4.14 per item |
| Agent Fees (per class) | N/A | 180 – 1,200 |
| Renewal Fees (per class) | ||
| – E-application | 450 | 62 |
| – Paper application | 500 | 69 |
| Opposition Fees | 450 – 500 | 62 – 69 |
Note: USD values are approximate, based on an exchange rate of 1 USD = 7.2432 CNY as of March 12, 2025. Source: Bloomberg
This table is your starting point, but the full cost picture includes more nuances. Let’s break it down step by step.
2. Introduction: Why Understanding Trademark Costs in China Matters
2.1. The Importance of Trademark Protection
Picture this: you’ve built a thriving brand, and you’re ready to expand into China. But when you arrive, you discover someone else has already registered your trademark. In China, trademarks operate on a first-to-file system—meaning the first to register owns the rights, regardless of prior use elsewhere. This makes trademark registration not just a smart move, but a critical one for safeguarding your brand.
2.2. The Cost Complexity
Navigating the costs can feel overwhelming. You’ve got official fees set by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), but that’s just the beginning. If you’re a foreign business, you’ll need a trademark agent, which adds another layer of expense. Then there are potential extras like opposition proceedings or additional item fees that can catch you off guard.
2.3. What This Guide Offers
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll walk you through every cost component—official fees, agent fees, and influencing factors—so you can budget accurately. Whether you’re new to the process or refining your strategy, our team at YCIP Law has you covered with expert insights. Want to dive deeper into the process? Check out our 2025 Guide for Foreign Companies.
Let’s start with the foundation: the official fees.
3. Official Fees for Trademark Registration in China
3.1. Application Fees: E-Application vs. Paper
The backbone of your trademark costs is the official fees, set by CNIPA. For a standard application:
- E-application: CNY 270 (USD 37) per class, covering up to 10 items.
- Paper application: CNY 300 (USD 41) per class, also up to 10 items.
A “class” refers to a category of goods or services under the Nice Classification system. For instance, Class 25 covers clothing, while Class 35 includes advertising services. Registering in multiple classes? Multiply the fee accordingly. Data sourced from CNIPA’s official fee schedule.
3.2. Additional Items Fees
Each class includes 10 items by default. Need more? Extra items cost:
- E-application: CNY 27 (USD 3.73) per item.
- Paper application: CNY 30 (USD 4.14) per item.
For example, registering 12 clothing types in Class 25 via e-application totals CNY 270 + (2 x CNY 27) = CNY 324.
3.3. Other Potential Fees
Beyond the basics, you might encounter:
- Renewal: CNY 450-500 (USD 62-69) per class.
- Opposition: CNY 450-500 (USD 62-69).
- Certificate Re-issuance: CNY 450-500 (USD 62-69).
These fees ensure your trademark stays protected long-term. Learn more about renewals in our Complete Guide to Trademark Registration.
3.4. Legal Basis
Article 33 of the Trademarks Law of the People’s Republic of China (2019): “The fees for trademark registration and other related matters shall be paid in accordance with the relevant provisions of the State.”
This ensures fee transparency, accessible via CNIPA’s portal.
4. Agent Fees and Additional Costs
4.1. Why Agents Are Essential
For foreign applicants, hiring a trademark agent isn’t optional—it’s a legal requirement. Agents manage filings, conduct searches, and liaise with CNIPA, saving you from costly errors. Even domestic businesses benefit from their expertise, especially with complex applications.
4.2. Agent Fee Breakdown
Costs vary based on service level:
- Basic Filing: USD 300-450 per class.
- Comprehensive Services: USD 850-1,200 per class, including searches and opposition handling.
Our team at Peter H. Li, an expert in trademark and branding, offers tailored solutions. See our track record—we’ve filed over [insert number] trademarks successfully.
4.3. Legal Mandate
Article 18 of the Trademarks Law: “Foreigners or foreign enterprises shall entrust a legally established trademark agency to handle trademark registration matters in China.”
This law underscores the need for professional help, detailed in our Why Hire a Trademark Lawyer post.
4.4. Extra Costs to Anticipate
Watch for:
- Searches: USD 100-300 (Learn more).
- Opposition Defense: Several hundred dollars.
Get a quote from YCIP Law to avoid surprises.
This is the first half of our guide. Stay tuned for the next sections on factors influencing costs, legal framework, FAQs, and a strong conclusion with a call to action.
This is the second half of our guide, following the Key Takeaway Table, Introduction, Official Fees, and Agent Fees. Let’s dive into the factors, legal framework, FAQs, and a strong conclusion.
5. Factors That Influence Your Trademark Registration Costs
Understanding what drives the cost of trademark registration in China helps you plan effectively. Several factors can increase or decrease your expenses, so let’s explore them in detail to give you a clear picture.
5.1. Number of Classes
Trademarks in China use the Nice Classification system, which splits goods and services into 45 classes. Each class you register costs a separate fee. For example, protecting clothing (Class 25) and advertising services (Class 35) means paying the base fee twice—CNY 270-300 per class. Businesses with diverse products often see costs rise quickly because of this.
5.2. Number of Items per Class
The base fee covers up to 10 items—like types of clothing or services—per class. Need more? Additional items cost CNY 27 per item for e-applications and CNY 30 for paper filings. So, registering 12 clothing items in Class 25 via e-application totals CNY 270 + (2 x CNY 27) = CNY 324. This small increase can add up across multiple classes.
5.3. Type of Application: Paper vs. E-Application
Your filing method matters. E-applications cost CNY 270 per class, while paper applications are CNY 300. Plus, e-filing might speed things up since it’s digital, potentially saving you time and hassle. Want to know more? Check our Guide to Filing a Trademark in China.
5.4. Type of Trademark
Standard trademarks are the cheapest, but collective marks (for groups) and certification marks (showing quality standards) cost more—CNY 1,350 for e-applications and CNY 1,500 for paper filings per class. These higher fees reflect their broader scope and complexity.
5.5. Additional Services
Extras can bump up your budget:
- Trademark Searches: USD 100-300 to check for conflicts (Learn more).
- Opposition Handling: Hundreds of dollars if someone challenges your mark.
- Renewals: CNY 450-500 per class every 10 years.
Planning for these keeps costs manageable. Visit YCIP Law’s services for tailored support.
6. Legal Framework: Rules Governing Trademark Costs in China
China’s trademark process follows a clear set of laws, mainly the Trademarks Law of the People’s Republic of China (2019). Knowing these rules builds confidence in the process and shows why costs are structured the way they are.
6.1. Overview of the Trademarks Law
Last updated in 2019, this law governs all trademark matters in China, managed by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). It ensures a standardized approach to registration and fees, protecting your brand under a reliable system.
6.2. Key Legal Clauses
Here are the main articles that shape costs and procedures:
Article 8: “Any sign capable of distinguishing goods or services, including words, designs, letters, numbers, three-dimensional symbols, color combinations, sounds, or combinations thereof, may be registered as a trademark.”
Article 22: “An application shall include a clear reproduction of the trademark, a list of goods or services, and identity documents. Foreigners must use a local agent.”
Article 23: “The Trademark Office examines applications, approving those that meet legal requirements, typically within 12 months.”
Article 33: “Fees for trademark registration and related matters shall follow state provisions.”
These clauses, detailed at WIPO Lex, ensure fairness and clarity.
6.3. Supporting Regulations
The 2014 Regulations on the Implementation of the Trademarks Law add practical details, like how fees are collected and processed. Together, these laws make the system predictable, though expert help—like from our Tingfei Wang—can simplify it.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Got questions about China trademark registration costs? Here are clear answers to help you out.
7.1. What’s the official fee for trademark registration in China?
Answer: It’s CNY 270 for e-applications or CNY 300 for paper applications per class, covering up to 10 items. Extra items are CNY 27-30 each.
7.2. How much do trademark agents typically charge in China?
Answer: Fees range from USD 300 to USD 1,200 per class, depending on services like filing or opposition handling.
7.3. Are there any hidden costs in trademark registration in China?
Answer: Yes, extras like searches (USD 100-300), oppositions, or renewals (CNY 450-500 per class) can add up.
7.4. How does the number of classes affect the cost?
Answer: Each class has its own fee, so registering multiple classes multiplies the base cost.
7.5. What’s the cost for renewing a trademark in China?
Answer: Renewal is CNY 450 for e-applications or CNY 500 for paper filings per class, due every 10 years.
7.6. Can I register a trademark myself, or do I need a lawyer?
Answer: Foreigners must use an agent (Article 18). Locals can file solo but may benefit from help. See Why Hire a Lawyer.
7.7. What are the penalties for not using a registered trademark in China?
Answer: Non-use for three years risks cancellation if challenged. New rules may require proof of use every five years (More here).
7.8. How long does the trademark registration process take in China?
Answer: About 12 months for domestic filings; international ones may take longer.
7.9. What are the differences between paper and e-applications?
Answer: E-applications cost CNY 270 and may process faster; paper filings are CNY 300.
7.10. Is there any discount for multiple classes or items?
Answer: No, each class and extra item has a separate fee per CNIPA’s rules.
8. Conclusion: Plan Your Trademark Registration with Confidence
Registering a trademark in China protects your brand in a huge market, but costs can vary. Official fees start at CNY 270-300 per class, agent fees range from USD 300 to USD 1,200, and extras like searches or oppositions can increase your budget. With China’s first-to-file system, acting fast—and smart—is key to avoiding disputes.
At YCIP Law, we’ve helped countless clients navigate this process. Our team, including trademark expert Peter H. Li, has filed numerous trademarks successfully—check our track record. Our clients trust us, as seen in testimonials.
Ready to protect your brand? Contact us for a consultation at our contact page or get a quote today. Don’t wait—secure your trademark with YCIP Law now!
Additional Resources
- China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) – Official fee schedules and updates.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) – China – Global IP context.
- Bloomberg – USD to CNY Exchange Rate – Current currency conversions.
