The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has set the following official fees (Currency: CNY. Click here to check the currency rates):
Engaging a Chinese trademark agent typically incurs attorney fees ranging from CNY 1,000 to CNY 3,000 per class, depending on the agency’s expertise and services offered. Please download our fee schedule here.
Payment Methods
If you have appointed an agent, all official fees should be paid through them.
Deadlines
Application Fees: Must be paid within 7 days of receiving the payment notice from CNIPA.
Renewal Fees: Trademarks are valid for 10 years. Renewal fees should be paid within 12 months before expiration. If missed, a grace period of 6 months is available with additional late fees of CNY 250.
Refund Policy
Once fees are paid as per the payment notice, CNIPA generally does not offer refunds.
Cost-Saving Tips
Strategic Class Selection: Identify necessary and potential products or services you need, to avoid wasting money on unnecessary classes and being squatted by others.
Preliminary Trademark Search: Employ a reputable agency to conduct searches to prevent rejections due to existing trademarks.
Timely Renewals: Renew within the specified period to avoid additional late fees.
International Fee Comparison
China’s trademark application fees are relatively economical compared to other jurisdictions:
United States: Starting at US$350 per class.
European Union: Starting at EUR 850 per class.
China: CNY 300 per class, offering VERY cost-effective access to a market of over 1.4 billion people inside a second-largest economy.
