How to Use the China Trademark Database to Verify Brand Names
| Key Action | Details |
|---|---|
| Access Database | Visit CNIPA’s website or use tools like TMsearch for English support. |
| Search Steps | Enter brand name, select class (e.g., Class 9 for software), refine with group number, and check results. |
| Legal Rule | Per Article 30, similar marks on same goods may be rejected, so verify early. |
| 2024 Statistic | China saw 6.7 million trademark applications, showing high competition (Yucheng IP Law, 2025). |
What Is the China Trademark Database?
Understanding the Basics
The China Trademark Database is an online tool that helps you check if a brand name is already taken in China. It’s run by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). This tool lists all registered and pending trademarks, so you can see if your brand name is safe to use. For example, if you want to sell shoes under a name like “CoolStep,” you can search to avoid legal trouble. The database uses the Nice Classification system, which groups goods and services into 45 classes, like Class 25 for clothing. Therefore, knowing your class is key to a good search.
Why It Matters for Your Business
China is a huge market, but it’s also tricky because of its “first-to-file” rule. This means whoever registers a trademark first usually gets the rights, even if you used the name earlier. By using the China Trademark Database, you can avoid picking a name someone else already owns. Plus, it’s free to search on CNIPA’s site, making it a smart first step. However, the database is mostly in Chinese, so you might need help from experts like Yucheng IP Law’s trademark services. According to Article 30 of China’s Trademark Law, applications similar to existing marks can be rejected, so checking early is crucial.
Who Should Use It?
Anyone planning to sell products or services in China should use this database. This includes small business owners, big companies, and even foreign brands. For instance, foreign companies made up 3.1% of trademark applications in 2024 (Yucheng IP Law, 2025). If you’re new to China’s IP laws, don’t worry—Peter H. Li, our trademark expert, can guide you. By verifying your brand name, you protect your business and save money on legal fights later.
Why Should You Verify Your Brand Name in China?
Avoiding Legal Trouble
Checking your brand name in the China Trademark Database stops you from using a name that’s already taken. If you use someone else’s trademark, you could face lawsuits or lose your brand. For example, China had 10,406 opposition applications in the first half of 2024, showing how often disputes happen (Lexology, 2024). The Article 45 of the Trademark Law allows owners to challenge misuse within five years, or anytime for bad faith, so early checks are vital. Therefore, verifying helps you stay safe.
Saving Money and Time
Legal battles in China can be expensive and slow. By using the China Trademark Database, you avoid these costs. Imagine spending money on ads for a brand, only to find out it’s already registered. In 2024, trademark registrations dropped 29% from 2023, meaning competition is fierce (NatLawReview, 2024). Checking first saves you from rebranding later. Plus, our China trademark search guide explains how to do this right.
Protecting Your Brand’s Future
Your brand is your business’s identity. If someone else registers your name, they could use it or sell it back to you. China’s first-to-file system makes this a big risk. However, verifying with the database ensures your name is unique. For example, Article 13 protects well-known trademarks from copycats, but only if you register first. By acting early, you secure your brand’s future in China’s massive market. Want to learn more? Check our guide for foreign companies.
How to Access the China Trademark Database
Finding the Official Website
To start, visit the CNIPA website. This is the official home of the China Trademark Database. The site has tools like SISTM for searching similar trademarks. However, most of the site is in Chinese, which can be hard for non-speakers. Fortunately, you can use third-party tools like TMsearch for English searches, but always double-check with CNIPA for accuracy. Our database search guide has more tips.
Using Search Tools
Once on CNIPA’s site, look for the SISTM tool. It lets you search by brand name, class, or group number. For example, if your brand is for apps, you’d use Class 9. Foreign applicants without a Chinese address must use an approved agency, listed at CNIPA’s agency list. This rule comes from China’s Trademark Law to ensure proper filing. At Yucheng IP Law, we handle this for you, making access easy.
Need Help with Language?
If Chinese is a barrier, don’t worry. Third-party sites like TMsearch offer English interfaces, but results may need translation. For the best results, work with a lawyer who knows the system. Our team, including Tony Xu, can help you navigate the database. Plus, Article 4 rejects bad faith registrations, so expert help ensures you follow the law. Check our FAQ for more on accessing the database.
Step-by-Step Guide to Searching Trademarks
Getting Started with Your Search
Searching the China Trademark Database is simple if you follow clear steps. First, go to the CNIPA website and find the SISTM tool, which helps you look for similar trademarks. Next, type in your brand name, like “HappyBites” for snacks. Then, pick the right international class, such as Class 30 for food. This system uses 45 classes to group goods and services, so choosing the correct one is key. For example, picking the wrong class could miss important matches. Therefore, take your time to get it right.
Refining Your Search
After entering your brand name, refine your search with a similar group number. This number narrows down results to specific products within a class, making your search more accurate. For instance, in Class 30, snacks and candies have different group numbers. You can find these numbers on CNIPA’s site or ask experts like Peter H. Li at Yucheng IP Law. According to Article 4 of China’s Trademark Law, bad faith applications can be rejected, so a precise search helps you avoid conflicts. Check our trademark search tool guide for more tips.
Reviewing Your Results
Once you hit search, the China Trademark Database shows a list of matching or similar trademarks. Look for names that are the same or close to yours in the same class. For example, if “HappyBites” is already registered for snacks, you might need a new name. Also, check related classes for cross-class conflicts, as these can block your application. If you’re unsure, our consultation services can help. In 2024, CNIPA handled 7,554 opposition decisions, showing how common disputes are (Lexology, 2024). So, review carefully to stay safe.
How to Understand Trademark Search Results
What Results Show
The China Trademark Database gives you a list of trademarks that match or are similar to your brand name. These results might include identical names in the same class, like “CoolStep” for shoes in Class 25. They could also show similar names, like “KoolStep,” which might confuse customers. Sometimes, matches appear in related classes, called cross-class conflicts. For example, a name in Class 18 (leather goods) might block Class 25 (clothing). Under Article 30, applications too similar to existing marks can be rejected, so understanding these results is crucial. Our brand protection guide explains more.
Checking for Conflicts
To see if your brand name is safe, check if any results are identical or similar in your class or related classes. An identical name in the same subclass is a big problem. A similar name, like “StarGlow” vs. “StarShine,” might also cause issues if it’s for similar goods. Cross-class conflicts happen when related products overlap, like bags and shoes. If you find a conflict, you may need to change your name or get legal advice. Fortunately, Yucheng IP Law’s trademark services can help you decide. Always double-check to avoid surprises.
What to Do Next
If your search shows no conflicts, your brand name might be available, but don’t stop there. The database doesn’t guarantee approval, so consult a lawyer to confirm. If you find similar marks, consider a new name or negotiate with the owner. For example, Article 45 lets you challenge a trademark within five years, or anytime for bad faith, but this needs legal help. In 2024, China saw 6.7 million trademark applications, showing how busy the system is (Yucheng IP Law, 2025). Visit our FAQ for next steps after a search.
Legal Rules to Know When Using the Database
Key Trademark Law Rules
China’s Trademark Law has rules to keep trademark registration fair. For example, Article 4 stops people from registering names they don’t plan to use, called bad faith applications. This helps honest businesses like yours. Another rule, Article 10, bans marks that trick people or use state symbols, like China’s flag. Also, Article 11 says generic names, like “Shoe” for shoes, can’t be trademarks unless they’re unique through use. These rules protect your brand and others. Learn more in our IP protection guide.
Rules for Conflicts and Protection
Some rules focus on avoiding confusion. For instance, Article 13 protects well-known trademarks, like famous brands, from copycats:
“Well-known trademarks are protected against reproduction that may cause confusion.”Also, Article 30 rejects applications if they’re too similar to existing marks for the same goods. If someone registers your name first, Article 45 lets you challenge it within five years, or anytime if they acted in bad faith. These laws make the China Trademark Database a powerful tool, but you need to follow them. Our Tingfei Wang can explain these rules clearly.
Why Legal Help Matters
Navigating these laws can be tricky, especially for foreigners. In 2024, only 3.1% of trademark applicants were foreign, showing the challenge (Yucheng IP Law, 2025). A lawyer ensures you follow rules like Article 15, which stops agents from stealing your brand name. At Yucheng IP Law, we’ve helped many clients avoid legal mistakes. Check our testimonials to see how we’ve protected brands in China.
Mistakes to Avoid When Searching
Choosing the Wrong Class
One big mistake is picking the wrong international class when searching the China Trademark Database. Each class covers specific goods or services, like Class 9 for electronics or Class 25 for clothes. If you choose the wrong class, you might miss similar trademarks that could block your brand. For example, searching “TechTrend” in Class 9 but missing a similar name in Class 42 (tech services) could cause problems. According to Article 30 of China’s Trademark Law, similar marks in related classes can lead to rejection. To avoid this, use our trademark search guide or ask Peter H. Li for help.
Ignoring Similar Marks
Another error is overlooking trademarks that sound or look similar to yours. For instance, if you want “StarGlow” but “StarShine” is registered, it might confuse customers and block your application. In 2024, China handled 10,406 opposition applications, showing how often conflicts arise (Lexology, 2024). Article 13 protects well-known marks from similar names, so check carefully. Our brand protection guide explains how to spot these issues. Therefore, always review similar marks to stay safe.
Relying Only on Online Searches
Many people think searching the China Trademark Database is enough, but it’s not. The database shows registered and pending marks, but it doesn’t guarantee your name is safe. For example, unregistered marks or prior rights could still cause trouble. Article 32 stops people from registering names that infringe prior rights, so you need expert help. At Yucheng IP Law, we check beyond the database to protect your brand. Read our guide on hiring a trademark lawyer to learn why this matters.
Real-Life Example: Searching for “TechNova”
Starting the Search
Imagine you want to register “TechNova” for a software app in Class 9. You visit the CNIPA website and use the SISTM tool. First, you enter “TechNova” and select Class 9. Then, you refine the search with a group number for software. The China Trademark Database shows a registered mark, “TechNova Solutions,” in the same class. This means your name might not be available. According to Article 30, identical marks in the same class are rejected, so this is a red flag.
Facing a Conflict
The search also finds “TechNova Pro” in Class 42, a related class for tech services. This cross-class conflict could block your application, as related goods often overlap. In 2024, China saw 6.7 million trademark applications, making conflicts common (Yucheng IP Law, 2025). You now have two options: choose a new name or negotiate with the owners. Our Tony Xu can help with negotiations or suggest new names. This example shows why thorough searches are key.
Next Steps for TechNova
To move forward, you consult Yucheng IP Law’s trademark services. We check for unregistered marks and prior rights, which the database might miss. If “TechNova” isn’t safe, we recommend alternatives or file an opposition under Article 45, which allows challenges within five years. Our guide on trademark conflicts explains your options. This case proves that searching early and getting help saves time and money.
Trademark Statistics in China (2025)
Latest Trademark Trends
China’s trademark system is one of the busiest in the world. Since exact 2025 data isn’t available, we use 2024 figures to show trends. These numbers highlight why verifying your brand name is so important. Below is a table of key statistics, sourced from reliable references, to give you a clear picture.
| Statistic | Value | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trademark Applications | 6.7 million | 2024 | Yucheng IP Law, 2025 |
| Foreign Applicant Share | 3.1% | 2024 | Yucheng IP Law, 2025 |
| Opposition Applications (H1) | 10,406 | 2024 | Lexology, 2024 |
| Opposition Decisions (H1) | 7,554 | 2024 | Lexology, 2024 |
| Registration Drop (2023-2024) | 29% | 2024 | NatLawReview, 2024 |
Why These Numbers Matter
The 6.7 million applications show how competitive China’s market is. With only 3.1% from foreign applicants, it’s clear that foreigners face challenges. The high number of oppositions (10,406 in H1 2024) means disputes are common, so early verification is key. The 29% drop in registrations suggests stricter rules, making the China Trademark Database even more important. Article 44 allows invalidation of fraudulent marks, but you need to act fast. Our trademark trends guide dives deeper into these stats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the China Trademark Database?
It’s an online tool by CNIPA to check registered and pending trademarks. It helps you see if your brand name is taken. Free to use, it’s a must for businesses in China. Learn more in our search guide.
How Do I Access It?
Visit CNIPA’s website or use TMsearch for English. Foreigners may need an agency, per China’s Trademark Law. Our services can assist.
Is There a Fee to Search?
Searching on CNIPA’s site is free, but third-party tools like TMsearch may charge. Always verify with CNIPA for accuracy. Check our cost guide for registration fees.
Can I Search in English?
Yes, but CNIPA’s database is mostly in Chinese. Tools like TMsearch offer English searches, but results may need translation. Our Tingfei Wang can help with translations.
What If I Find a Similar Trademark?
Consider a new name or get legal advice. Article 45 lets you challenge a mark within five years, or anytime for bad faith. Read our appeal guide for solutions.
Are There Restrictions?
Yes, Article 10 bans marks like state symbols or deceptive names. Our requirements guide lists all restrictions.
How Often Is the Database Updated?
CNIPA updates it regularly to show the latest registrations. Always check before applying. Our FAQ has more answers.
Get Help from Yucheng IP Law
Why Choose Us?
At Yucheng IP Law, we make trademark verification easy. Our team, including Peter H. Li and Tony Xu, has years of experience in China’s IP laws. We’ve filed thousands of trademarks, as shown in our track record. Whether you’re a small business or a global brand, we ensure your brand is safe. Check our why choose us page to see our strengths.
Our Expert Services
We offer full trademark support, from searching the China Trademark Database to filing applications. Our trademark services cover everything, including handling oppositions and appeals. If you hit a conflict, we can negotiate or suggest new names. Our clients, from startups to big firms, trust us to protect their brands. Plus, our consultation services ensure you follow laws like Article 15, which stops unfair registrations.
Take Action Today
Don’t risk your brand in China’s busy market. Contact Yucheng IP Law to verify your brand name now. Visit our contact page or submit a quote for trademark application help. Our team is ready to guide you, so act today to secure your brand!
Conclusion
Protect Your Brand Now
Using the China Trademark Database is a smart way to check if your brand name is safe in China. By following our guide, you can avoid legal trouble, save money, and protect your business. However, the database is just the start. China’s first-to-file system and strict laws, like Article 30 and Article 45, mean you need expert help to get it right. With 6.7 million trademark applications in 2024, competition is fierce, so don’t wait. Our 2025 registration guide has more details to keep you informed.
Trust Yucheng IP Law
At Yucheng IP Law, we’ve helped countless clients navigate China’s trademark system. Our testimonials show how we protect brands like yours. Whether you’re new to China or expanding, our team, led by experts, is here to help. Don’t let a trademark mistake cost you. Get started today by visiting our contact page or checking our services to secure your brand’s future!
External Links
- China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) – Official trademark database.
- TMsearch – English interface for trademark searches.
- CNIPA Agency List – Approved trademark agencies.
- WIPO Lex – China’s Trademark Law details.
- Borsam IP – Guide to searching CNIPA’s database.
