Trademark Registration in China Explained. Part 2

April 25, 2023

Essential information for trademarks in China.

Register your trademark in China as early as possible: As mentioned earlier, registering your trademark in China is crucial for protecting your intellectual property. Even if you are not yet doing business in China, it is advisable to register your trademark in China before you start, to prevent others from registering it before you. You can hire a local trademark attorney to help you with the registration process.

Monitor the market for any infringement of your trademark: Regular monitoring of the market for any unauthorized use of your trademark is crucial to detect any potential infringement. You can hire a specialized investigation agency or a law firm to conduct investigations and surveillance of the market and e-commerce platforms to detect infringing activities. Social media monitoring can also be useful to detect any potential unauthorized use of your trademark.

Take prompt legal action against infringers to protect your rights: If you detect any infringement of your trademark, taking prompt legal action is crucial to protect your rights. You can file a complaint with the local administrative authority, which can investigate and take action against infringers. If the administrative action is not satisfactory, you can file a civil lawsuit against the infringer to obtain damages and stop the infringing activities. In some cases, criminal proceedings may also be available for serious infringements.

Work with local lawyers who have experience in trademark law in China: It is advisable to work with local lawyers who have experience in trademark law in China. They can provide legal advice, handle trademark registration, and assist in monitoring and taking legal action against infringers. They can also help you navigate the complex legal system in China and provide cultural and language support.

By following these steps, you can protect your trademark in China and prevent unauthorized use by competitors and counterfeiters. It is essential to be proactive and vigilant in protecting your intellectual property in China, where trademark infringement is prevalent.

What happens if my trademark is already registered? What happens if my brand is already registered?

If your trademark is already registered by someone else in China, you may face several challenges in protecting your rights. However, there are several legal remedies available to you, which include the following:

File a cancellation or opposition proceeding: If you believe that the existing trademark registration was obtained fraudulently, or the mark is confusingly similar to your mark, you can file a cancellation or opposition proceeding with the China Trademark Office (CTMO). The CTMO will examine your claim and may cancel or invalidate the existing trademark registration.

Cancellation proceeding: A cancellation proceeding is a legal action that seeks to cancel a trademark registration. This can be done on various grounds, including the mark being confusingly similar to your mark, the registrant not using the mark for a period of three consecutive years, or the registration being obtained fraudulently.

Opposition proceeding: An opposition proceeding is a legal action that seeks to prevent a trademark application from being granted. This can be done on various grounds, including the mark being confusingly similar to your mark, the registrant not having the right to use the mark, or the registration being obtained fraudulently.

File a lawsuit: If the cancellation or opposition proceeding is unsuccessful, you can file a lawsuit in a Chinese court. You can sue the trademark registrant for infringement, arguing that they are using your trademark without your permission. You can also argue that their registration was invalid, and they have no legal right to use the mark.

Infringement lawsuit: An infringement lawsuit is a legal action that seeks to stop a third party from using your registered trademark. This can include claiming damages and requesting an injunction to prevent the infringing activity from continuing.

Invalidity lawsuit: An invalidity lawsuit is a legal action that seeks to invalidate a trademark registration. This can be done on various grounds, including the mark being confusingly similar to your mark or the registrant not having the right to use the mark.

Negotiate a settlement: In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a settlement with the trademark registrant. You can offer to purchase the existing trademark registration or reach a licensing agreement that allows you to use the mark in China. A local attorney experienced in trademark law can help you negotiate a favorable settlement.

It is important to note that Chinese trademark law follows the "first-to-file" principle, which means that the first person to register a trademark in China has priority over others. Therefore, it is crucial to register your trademark in China as soon as possible to prevent others from registering it before you.

If you fail to register your trademark in China and someone else registers it, you may face several consequences, including the following:

Inability to sell your products in China: If someone else has registered your trademark in China, you may not be able to sell your products under that mark in China, which can limit your market access and revenue.

Inability to prevent others from using your trademark: If someone else has registered your trademark in China, they have the legal right to use it, which means you may not be able to prevent others from using your mark in China.

Loss of brand value: If someone else is using your trademark in China, it can damage your brand reputation and value, which can have long-term consequences for your business.

Overall, it is crucial to register your trademark in China to protect your intellectual property and prevent others from using your mark without your permission. If your trademark is already registered by someone else, there are legal remedies available, but they may be complex and time-consuming. It is advisable to work with an experienced local attorney to navigate the Chinese trademark system and protect your rights.

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