China Trademark Renewal Process: A Simple Guide for Everyone
Did you know you can keep your brand safe in China for another 10 years with a simple renewal? At Yucheng IP Law (YCIP), we help people protect their trademarks easily. Here’s the most important info you need to know about the China trademark renewal process—right up front! Whether you’re a business owner or just curious, this guide makes it super easy to understand. Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways: China Trademark Renewal at a Glance
| What You Need | When to Do It | Cost (CNY) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration certificate, ID proof | 12 months before expiration OR 6-month grace period (extra fee) | 450–500 (normal) / 225–250 (late) |
| Note: Foreigners need a local agent, and unused trademarks can be canceled after 3 years! | ||
This table gives you the basics fast. Now, let’s dive into the details so you can understand everything step-by-step. If you need help, check out our trademark services at YCIP!
What Is the China Trademark Renewal Process?
Why Trademarks Matter
A trademark is like a special name or logo for your business. Imagine you own a toy store called “Happy Toys.” That name is your trademark—it tells everyone it’s your shop! In China, once you register it, it’s yours for 10 years. But after that, you need to renew it to keep it safe. The China trademark renewal process is how you do this. It’s super important because, without renewal, someone else could take your name. Yikes!
How Renewal Works
Renewal is like telling China, “Hey, I still want my trademark!” It gives you another 10 years of protection. This rule comes from a big law called the 2019 Trademark Law, Article 33. It says your trademark lasts 10 years, and you can keep renewing it forever if you want. At YCIP, we’ve helped tons of people with this—check out our track record to see how many trademarks we’ve filed!
Why You Should Care
China is a big market, and lots of businesses want to be there. If you don’t renew, you lose your brand’s protection. That’s bad news if you sell stuff or plan to grow. Plus, the process isn’t hard with the right help. Our team, like Peter H. Li, knows all about trademarks and can make it simple for you. Want to learn more about registering a trademark first? Read our 2025 guide!
So, renewal keeps your brand safe and strong. Next, let’s talk about when to do it!
When Do You Need to Renew Your Trademark?
The Perfect Timing
You can start the China trademark renewal process 12 months before your trademark expires. For example, if it ends on April 9, 2026, you can file as early as April 9, 2025. That’s a whole year to get ready! This rule is in Article 26 of the 2014 Implementation Regulations. It’s like a reminder to plan ahead so you don’t lose your trademark.
What If You’re Late?
If you forget, don’t worry too much! You get a 6-month grace period after it expires. So, if it ends on April 9, 2026, you have until October 9, 2026, to renew. But here’s the catch—you’ll pay extra fees for being late. The normal fee is 450–500 CNY, but late fees add 225–250 CNY more. Our cost guide explains all the prices clearly!
Don’t Miss Both Deadlines
If you miss both the 12 months before and the 6 months after, your trademark is gone. Poof! Someone else can grab it. In 2025, about 1.5 million trademarks were renewed in China, but 10% were late, costing extra, according to CNIPA data. Check your expiration date on your registration certificate or the CNIPA website to stay safe. Need help? Our consultation services can keep you on track!
- Tip: Set a calendar reminder a year before it expires.
- Warning: Late renewal costs more—don’t wait too long!
What Documents Do You Need?
The Basic Papers
Before you start the China trademark renewal process, you need a few things. First, grab your trademark registration certificate. It’s the paper that proves you own your brand. Next, get proof of who you are. If you’re a person, use your ID. If you’re a company, use your business license. These show you’re the real owner!
Paying the Fee
You also need money to pay the renewal fee—about 450–500 CNY if you’re on time. We’ll talk more about costs later, but you can pay online or at a bank. Have these ready, and you’re almost set! Our fee guide breaks it all down for you.
Special Rule for Foreigners
If you’re not from China and don’t live there, you need a local helper called an agent. This isn’t optional—it’s the law! The 2019 Trademark Law, Article 19 says foreigners without a home in China must use an agent. Lucky for you, YCIP can be your agent! We’ve helped tons of clients from other countries—see some of them on our clients page. Want to know why we’re great at this? Check out why choose us!
With these documents, you’re ready to renew. Let’s move on to how to file it!
How to File Your Renewal: Easy Steps
Getting Started
Filing for the China trademark renewal process is like following a fun recipe. First, check if you can file yourself. If you live in China, you can do it directly. If not, you need an agent—like us at YCIP! This rule comes from Article 19 of the 2019 Trademark Law. It makes sure everything goes smoothly for foreigners.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to do it:
- Check if you qualify: Live in China? File yourself. Otherwise, use an agent.
- Get your papers: Grab your registration certificate and ID proof.
- Fill out the form: You can do it online at the CNIPA website or use a paper form.
- Pay the fee: It’s 450–500 CNY—cheaper online!
- Send it in: Submit it online or mail it to CNIPA.
- Wait and check: Watch for approval—it takes about 30 days on average.
This follows Article 26 of the 2014 Implementation Regulations for timing. Our services page explains how we can help with every step!
Tips for Success
Use the online form if you can—it’s faster and saves money. In 2025, CNIPA said 95% of renewals worked out fine, but 5% had issues like missing papers. That’s from their data. Need a pro? Our team, like Tony Xu, knows how to file perfectly. Check out our 2025 process guide for more tips!
How Much Does It Cost?
Basic Costs
The China trademark renewal process isn’t too pricey. If you file on time, it’s 500 CNY for a paper form or 450 CNY online. That’s about $60–70 USD! If you’re late (in the 6-month grace period), add 250 CNY for paper or 225 CNY online. These prices come from CNIPA’s 2025 rules, based on the fee page.
Payment Made Easy
You can pay with online banking or a bank transfer. It’s super simple! Here’s a quick table:
| Type | Normal Fee (CNY) | Late Fee (CNY) |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Application | 500 | 250 |
| Online Application | 450 | 225 |
Want more cost details? See our renewal cost guide. Filing early saves you cash!
Why It’s Worth It
Spending a little now keeps your brand safe for 10 more years. In 2025, 1.5 million trademarks were renewed, but 10% paid extra for being late, says CNIPA. Don’t be one of them! Our FAQ answers more money questions if you’re curious.
What If Something Goes Wrong?
Common Problems
Sometimes, the China trademark renewal process hits a bump. Maybe you forgot a paper or didn’t pay on time. CNIPA might say, “Hey, fix this!” That’s called an objection. Don’t stress—you can send what they need before the deadline. This is covered by Article 63 of the 2019 Trademark Law for solving disputes.
Fixing It
If they reject your renewal, you can appeal. That means asking them to look again. You might need help from pros like Tingfei Wang, who’s great at litigation. In 2025, only 5% of renewals got rejected, mostly for small mistakes, per CNIPA stats. Our litigation support can save the day!
Staying Calm
Mistakes happen, but they’re fixable. Just act fast and get help if needed. Our rejection guide has more advice. With YCIP, you’re never alone—we’ve got your back!
Keeping Your Trademark Safe After Renewal
Use It or Lose It
After you renew, use your trademark! If you don’t use it for 3 years, someone can ask to cancel it. This rule is in Article 44 of the 2019 Trademark Law. So, keep selling or advertising with it—like putting your logo on toys or shirts. It’s your proof you’re using it!
Extra Options
You can also let others use your trademark with a license. That’s allowed under Article 42 of the 2019 Trademark Law. It’s like renting out your brand name for money! Learn more about this on our licensing page. It keeps your brand growing.
Why It Matters
Keeping it active stops trouble. In 2025, CNIPA processed 1.5 million renewals, and some got canceled later for non-use, says their data. Our non-use guide explains how to avoid this. Stay safe with YCIP’s help!
“Using your trademark keeps it alive and safe in China!”
Common Questions About China Trademark Renewal
People often ask these about the China trademark renewal process:
- Can I renew if I miss the deadline? Yes, within 6 months after expiration, but it costs extra (225–250 CNY).
- Do I need an agent? Only if you’re foreign and don’t live in China—it’s the law!
- What if I don’t renew? Your trademark gets canceled, and anyone can take it.
More questions? See our FAQ page!
Why Choose YCIP for Your Renewal?
At Yucheng IP Law (YCIP), we’re experts in the China trademark renewal process. Our team—like Peter H. Li—knows trademarks inside out. We’ve served tons of clients (check our numbers) and have years of experience. See what people say in our testimonials!
We make renewal easy—especially for foreigners needing an agent. Visit why choose us to learn more!
Conclusion: Protect Your Brand Now!
The China trademark renewal process is your key to keeping your brand safe for another 10 years. It’s simple with the right help—just gather your papers, file on time, and use your trademark. Don’t risk losing it! At YCIP, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Ready to renew? Contact us or get a quote today—let’s protect your brand together!
External Links for More Info
- China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) – Official site for trademark rules.
- ICLG Trademark Laws 2024-2025 – Detailed legal info.
