China Trademark Renewal Requirements: Everything You Need to Know
Hey there! If you’ve got a trademark in China, you need to renew it to keep it safe. But what’s that all about? Don’t worry—we’ll explain it super simply. At Yucheng IP Law (YCIP), we help people like you protect their brands in China every day. Below, check out this quick table with the most important stuff you need to know about China trademark renewal requirements. Then, stick around for all the easy details!
| What You Need to Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Renewal Cycle | Every 10 years |
| When to Apply | 1 year before or 6 months after expiration |
| Fees | 450 CNY (online) or 500 CNY (paper) |
| Documents | ID, registration certificate |
| Processing Time | About 1 month |
This table is your fast pass to understanding China trademark renewal requirements. Now, let’s dive into why it’s a big deal and how it works!
Why Trademark Renewal in China Matters
What’s a Trademark Anyway?
A trademark is like a special name or logo for your business. Imagine you made a cool toy called “SuperZoom.” That name is yours, and a trademark stops others from using it. However, in China, it only lasts 10 years unless you renew it. So, renewing is super important to keep your toy’s name safe!
Why You Can’t Skip Renewal
Here’s the deal: if you don’t renew, someone else can grab your trademark. For example, another toy maker could start selling “SuperZoom” toys, and you’d lose your special name. Worse, China is a “first-to-file” place, meaning whoever files first gets it. So, you must keep up with China trademark renewal requirements to stay in control. Our team at YCIP’s Trademark Services sees this all the time—don’t let it happen to you!
What the Law Says
The rules come from China’s laws. Specifically,
Article 33 of the Trademark Law of the People’s Republic of China says your trademark lasts 10 years, and you need to renew it on time or it’s gone.Pretty serious, right? That’s why we’re here to help you follow the rules and keep your brand safe. Plus, renewing isn’t hard—just a few steps we’ll explain soon.
Real-Life Example
Think of it like a library book. You borrow it for a while, but if you don’t renew it, someone else can take it. In 2023, China had 35,712 trademark agencies helping people renew, according to the CNIPA report. That’s a lot of people making sure their “books” stay theirs! With years of experience, YCIP can do the same for you.
So, renewing matters because it protects your business name or logo. Next, let’s talk about when you need to do it!
When Can You Renew Your Trademark?
The Perfect Time to Start
Okay, timing is everything! With China trademark renewal requirements, you can start renewing 1 year before your trademark expires. For example, if it ends on January 1, 2026, you can begin on January 1, 2025. That gives you a whole year to get ready—pretty cool, right? It’s like getting a heads-up for a big test.
What’s the Grace Period?
But what if you forget? Don’t panic! You get a 6-month grace period after it expires. So, if it ends January 1, 2026, you have until July 1, 2026, to renew. However, waiting means extra fees—225 CNY online or 250 CNY on paper, says the CNIPA fee schedule. Our blog on renewal costs breaks it down more!
Don’t Wait Too Long
Here’s the catch: if you miss that 6-month window, your trademark is gone forever. The law—yep,
Article 33 again—says no renewal after that, and someone else can take it.Imagine losing your favorite game character because you didn’t save it—that’s what it’s like! So, set a reminder or let Peter H. Li, our trademark expert, handle it for you.
Quick Fact Check
Processing takes about 1 month, according to Gerben IP. That’s fast if you get your papers right! In fact, China’s IP industry made 285 billion RMB in 2023 (CNIPA report), showing how busy trademark stuff is. Stick with YCIP, and we’ll make sure you’re on time—check out our FAQs for more tips!
Now you know when to renew. Up next, we’ll show you how to do it step by step!
How to Renew Your Trademark in China
Step-by-Step Made Easy
Renewing your trademark in China is like following a treasure map—it’s simple if you know the steps! With China trademark renewal requirements, you just need to do a few things right. Luckily, at Yucheng IP Law (YCIP), we’ve helped tons of people—like the clients we’ve served—get this done fast. So, here’s how you renew, step by step!
The Five Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Check It’s Active – Make sure your trademark isn’t canceled. It’s like checking if your game save still works!
- Step 2: Gather Your Stuff – You need your ID (like a passport for people or a business license for companies) and your trademark registration certificate. Think of it as showing your ticket to keep playing.
- Step 3: Pay the Fee – It’s 450 CNY if you do it online or 500 CNY on paper. We’ll talk more about costs soon!
- Step 4: Send It In – Submit everything to the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). If you’re not in China, you must use an agency like us—check out our services for help!
- Step 5: Wait a Bit – It takes about 1 month to get approved, says Gerben IP. Then, you’re good for another 10 years!
Why You Might Need Help
If you’re outside China, the law says you need a local agency. Why? Because
Article 33 of the Trademark Law and CNIPA rules (WIPO Lex) say foreign folks can’t file directly.That’s where Tony Xu, our litigation expert, or Peter H. Li step in to make it smooth. Plus, in 2023, there were 35,712 trademark agencies in China (CNIPA report)—we’re one of the best!
A Little Tip
Double-check your papers! Missing stuff can slow you down. Our 2025 guide for foreign companies has more tricks to avoid hiccups. Follow these steps, and you’ll keep your trademark safe and sound!
What Does It Cost to Renew?
The Basic Fees
Let’s talk money! Renewing your trademark in China isn’t too pricey, but you need to know the numbers. For China trademark renewal requirements, the cost depends on how you do it. Online, it’s 450 CNY—that’s about $63 USD. On paper, it’s 500 CNY, or around $70 USD. Pretty good deal to keep your brand for 10 more years, right? Learn more in our 2025 cost guide!
What About Late Fees?
If you wait until the 6-month grace period, you’ll pay extra. It’s 225 CNY more online (total 675 CNY) or 250 CNY more on paper (total 750 CNY). This comes from the CNIPA fee schedule. So, doing it early saves you cash—like buying a toy before the price goes up!
Why Online Is Awesome
Going online isn’t just cheaper; it’s faster too. Since 2019, CNIPA cut fees by 10% for e-filing (Mondaq). That’s why we at YCIP love helping clients use the online process. Plus, with 285 billion RMB in IP income in 2023 (CNIPA report), China’s system is super busy—online keeps you ahead!
Legal Backup
The costs are set by law, and
Article 33 ties renewal to keeping your rights alive (WIPO Lex).No hidden fees—just pay, submit, and you’re set. Want a quote? Fill out our trademark form to see how affordable it can be with YCIP!
Mistakes to Avoid When Renewing
Don’t Let These Trip You Up
Renewing your trademark in China is easy if you dodge some common oopsies! With China trademark renewal requirements, a little mistake can cost you big time. At Yucheng IP Law (YCIP), we’ve seen it all—check out what our clients say! So, here’s what to watch out for.
Big No-Nos to Skip
- Don’t Miss the Deadline – If you’re late past the 6-month grace period, your trademark vanishes. It’s like forgetting to feed a pet—it’s gone!
- Check Your Papers – Missing your ID or certificate? That’s a delay. Double-check, like packing for a trip.
- Use an Agency if You’re Not in China – The law says foreigners need help—skip this, and your renewal fails!
- Track Your Dates – Don’t lose track of when it expires. Set a phone alarm or let Tingfei Wang remind you!
What the Law Warns
Here’s the serious stuff:
Article 33 of the Trademark Law says if you miss the deadline, your trademark is canceled (WIPO Lex).In 2023, 35,712 agencies helped people avoid this (CNIPA report). Don’t risk it—our 2025 guide has more tips!
Stay Safe
These mistakes can mess up your brand. Imagine someone else using your name because you forgot—yikes! Processing takes 1 month if done right (Gerben IP). Stick with us, and we’ll keep you safe and sound.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
People ask us stuff about China trademark renewal requirements all the time. So, we’ve put the top questions here, super simple! Want more? Check our FAQ page too!
Your Top Questions
- Q: What’s the deadline? A: You’ve got 1 year before or 6 months after it expires—don’t wait too long!
- Q: Do I need to show I used it? A: Nope! Just send papers and pay—no proof needed (ICLG).
- Q: How long does it take? A: About 1 month, if everything’s right.
- Q: Can I renew online? A: Yes! It’s 450 CNY and faster—try it!
- Q: What if I miss it? A: It’s gone, and someone else can take it—scary, huh?
More Fun Facts
China’s IP world is huge—285 billion RMB in 2023 (CNIPA report)! And
Article 33 lets you renew forever, every 10 years.Got more questions? Our attorney guide has you covered!
How YCIP Can Help You
We’re Your Trademark Buddies
At YCIP, we’re pros at China’s IP laws—like superheroes for your brand! We’ve filed tons of trademarks—see our track record. With China trademark renewal requirements, we make it easy so you don’t stress.
What We Do for You
We check your dates, fill out papers, and send them to CNIPA. Our team—like Peter H. Li, a trademark whiz—knows all the tricks. Plus, we’re trusted—read why clients choose us! Whether it’s renewals or litigation support, we’ve got your back.
Why Pick YCIP?
With years of experience and happy clients, we’re top-notch. In 2023, China had 35,712 agencies, but we stand out (CNIPA report). Visit contact us or get a quote at our form—we’ll save your trademark!
Conclusion: Protect Your Brand Today!
Wrap It Up
So, there you go! Renewing your trademark in China is a must to keep your name or logo safe. It’s a 10-year deal, costs 450-500 CNY, and takes about a month—easy peasy with the right help. Don’t let China trademark renewal requirements scare you—we’ve broken it down like a fun game!
Take Action Now
Ready to renew? Don’t wait—missing deadlines could lose your brand! At YCIP, we’re here to help fast. Click here to contact us or visit our renewal cost guide. Protect your brand today—let’s do this together!
External Links for More Info
- CNIPA Official Site – Check the latest rules!
- WIPO – Learn more about trademarks worldwide.
- Mondaq – Fee reduction details.