Trademark registration and anti-squatting in China
China awards trademark rights to the first applicant, not to the brand that used the name first. For foreign companies, the usual damage is done before any dispute: a manufacturer, distributor or opportunist files your brand and later blocks your exports at customs or demands payment.
What we do
- Clearance searches, including Chinese-name options
- Filing in the right classes, with a view to your products and supply chain
- Monitoring and opposition against conflicting filings
- Invalidation and cancellation of bad-faith registrations
- Customs recordal and support when goods are held
Common situations
- Your OEM supplier registered your brand
- Your exports were stopped at customs because of someone else's registration
- A distributor claims the Chinese mark after the relationship ended
Questions we hear most
Do I need to register before selling in China?
Yes, ideally before manufacturing, exporting or launching. Rights generally follow the first filing.
My manufacturer or distributor registered my brand. What now?
Depending on timing and evidence, the routes include opposition, invalidation for bad faith or prior rights, and negotiation.
Should I register a Chinese name too?
Usually yes. Choose and clear it early, because local consumers and third parties will create one if you do not.