How to Conduct a Trade Mark Search

The most common type of intellectual property right (IPR) is a trade mark. A trade mark is essential to all kinds of companies, whether you are a producer, distributor or service provider, as it allows clients to distinguish you from your competitors and builds the image and reputation of your brand. International laws, including Chinese laws, grant legal protection to trade marks providing they comply with a few basic requirements. Trade marks are territorial in nature and therefore must be registered in every country. If you want to obtain protection in China you must register with the Trade Mark Office (TMO) of the Chinese National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) either by directly filing a domestic application or by filing an international extension through the Madrid System.

Here are two short videos explaining how to sign up and log into the official website of China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) (https://english.cnipa.gov.cn/), for a trade mark search. For more information, download the IP Guide below.