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Trademark & brand protection in China
Protect your brand in a first-to-file market where squatting of foreign brands is common.
Market contextDeeper China IP support — IPBridge →
China is first-to-file: rights generally go to whoever registers first, regardless of prior use abroad. Foreign brands are frequent targets of bad-faith “squatting”, so filing early — before or as you enter — is the single most important defensive step.
A Chinese-language version of your mark, defensive filings across classes, and customs recordal all strengthen protection. Where a mark is already taken in bad faith, opposition, invalidation, and non-use cancellation can be routes to recover it.
Our approach
- Search the CNIPA register and assess squatting risk
- File early — Latin + Chinese-character marks, key classes
- Record marks with Customs and set a watch
- Handle opposition / invalidation / bad-faith cases where needed
What you get
- Clearance & filing strategy
- Applications (Latin + Chinese)
- Customs recordal + watch
FAQ
- Someone already registered my brand in China — what now?
- Depending on the facts, opposition, invalidation on bad-faith grounds, or a non-use cancellation may be available. We assess and act.
- Do I need a Chinese-character trademark?
- Usually yes — Chinese consumers use a Chinese name, and registering it prevents others from taking it.
- China is first-to-file — how fast should I act?
- As early as possible, ideally before you announce entry, to reduce squatting risk.
Ready to move your expansion forward?
Tell us your target markets, industry, and timeline — we'll give you a clear first step.