YiQi Intellectual Property

YiQi Intellectual Property YIQIIP, Shenzhen based, Chinese trademark agency certified by CNIPA.

Trademark solutions only, to design, register, translate, transfer, renew, oppose, review, cancel, invalidate, notarize, appeal,etc
Wechat: annaxyiqi /19926424169
Email: [email protected] YIQIIP is all about trademark intellectual property, providing solutions for trademark registration, management, disputes, translation, notarization, etc in China and abroad. We integrate perspectives of branding and marketing, legal risk assessment, international business development into trademark solutions.

25/10/2025

Trademark registration applications carry risks, mainly due to the subjectivity of examination standards, information lag, and procedural uncertainties.

First, there is a blind spot in trademark searches. The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has a 3-6 month delay in information entry, making it impossible to find newly submitted similar trademarks, which may lead to application conflicts. Second, examination standards are subjective; judgments on a trademark’s distinctiveness and similarity depend on the examiner’s professional perception, so the same trademark may receive different outcomes from different examiners. Third, there is the risk of opposition during the announcement period; even if the application passes the examination, any prior right holder can file an opposition within the 3-month announcement period, and the opposition process is lengthy with unpredictable results. Additionally, the application may be rejected due to document defects (e.g., incorrect information filling) or violations of prohibited clauses (e.g., using national flags or generic names). These factors collectively mean trademark registration is not 100% successful.

25/10/2025

Foreign natural persons can register trademarks in China. According to the Trademark Law of the People's Republic of China, foreign natural persons applying for trademark registration in China shall proceed in accordance with the agreements concluded between their home countries and the People's Republic of China, or the international treaties to which both countries are parties, or on the basis of the principle of reciprocity.

The specific procedures for foreign natural persons to apply for trademark registration in China are as follows:

• With a habitual residence in China: They may handle the registration independently or entrust a legally established trademark agency.

◦ When applying in person at the Trademark Registration Hall, they shall submit a properly filled and printed Trademark Registration Application Form (signed by the applicant), trademark samples, a copy of the applicant's identity certificate, and a copy of the Foreigner's Permanent Residence Permit or a Foreigner's Residence Permit with a validity period of more than one year (issued by the public security authority).

◦ When submitting the application via the Trademark Online Application System, the required documents are the same as those for on-site application.

• Without a habitual residence in China: They must entrust a legally established trademark agency to handle the registration. The required materials include a completed application form, the applicant's identity certificate (with a Chinese translation), and a Power of Attorney for Trademark Agency. Foreign natural persons usually use their passports as the identity certificate.

In terms of the application process: When entrusting a trademark agency, the applicant shall cooperate with the agency to conduct a trademark search to confirm the registrability of the trademark. Then the agency will submit the application to the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). The CNIPA will conduct a formal examination and a substantive examination in sequence. Trademarks that pass the substantive examination will enter a 3-month preliminary approval announcement period. If there is no opposition within the announcement period, or if the opposition is ruled invalid, the CNIPA will approve the registration and issue a Trademark Registration Certificate.

To apply for and register a Chinese trademark in China, there are two main approaches: handling the process independentl...
25/10/2025

To apply for and register a Chinese trademark in China, there are two main approaches: handling the process independently or entrusting a trademark agency. The specific procedures are as follows:

1. Trademark Search: Before submitting the application, the applicant needs to conduct a trademark similarity search through the "Trademark Search" section on the "China Trademark Office (CTMO) Website" to check if the intended trademark is identical or similar to any previously registered trademarks. This helps reduce the risk of application rejection.

2. Prepare Documents:

◦ For applications filed by a legal person or other organization: Prepare the official-seal-stamped trademark registration application form, trademark samples, and a copy of the business license.

◦ For applications filed by an individual: Submit the signed trademark registration application form, trademark samples, a copy of the individual's ID card, and a copy of the individual industrial and commercial household business license.

3. Submit the Application:

◦ For independent handling: Submit the application online via the Trademark Online Service System (https://sbj.cnipa.gov.cn/sbj/wssq/) , or in person at the CTMO Registration Hall, CTMO's Trademark Examination and Cooperation Centers outside Beijing, or local trademark business acceptance windows authorized by the CTMO.

◦ For agency handling: Simply submit the application documents to the entrusted trademark agency.

4. Formal Examination: The CTMO conducts a formal examination of the application materials to verify whether the application documents and procedures comply with legal requirements. If the documents are incomplete or non-compliant, the CTMO will notify the applicant to supplement them within a specified time.

5. Pay Fees: After passing the formal examination, the CTMO issues a fee notice. The applicant must pay the trademark registration fee. Currently, the fee for online applications with electronic notifications is 270 yuan per trademark.

6. Substantive Examination: The CTMO conducts a substantive examination of the trademark, focusing on whether it violates prohibited clauses and whether it has distinctiveness.

7. Preliminary Approval Announcement: Trademarks that pass the substantive examination will be published on the CTMO website for a 3-month preliminary approval announcement period.

8. Registration Approval: If there is no opposition within the announcement period, or if the opposition is ruled invalid after the opposition procedure, the CTMO will approve the registration and issue the Trademark Registration Certificate.

PM Audrey for your trademark solutions Looking back from the long river of commercial civilization evolution, the essenc...
13/05/2025

PM Audrey for your trademark solutions

Looking back from the long river of commercial civilization evolution, the essence of trademark risk control is the concentrated embodiment of the survival wisdom of enterprises. From "defensive registration" to "strategic reserve", from "passive rights protection" to "active layout", modern enterprises are forging trademark management into a competitive weapon that combines offense and defense. When every trademark decision concerns the survival of the enterprise, only those who are well versed in risk control can stand undefeated in the brand war. After all, in this arena where 28000 new trademarks are born every day, those who survive are never the strongest, but the ones who understand the rules the most.

The importance of trademark registration is self-evident. It not only helps enterprises establish unique brand images an...
13/05/2025

The importance of trademark registration is self-evident. It not only helps enterprises establish unique brand images and improve the market competitiveness of their products but also prevents others from maliciously squatting on or counterfeiting trademarks, thereby protecting the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises. In international trade, trademark registration is a prerequisite for enterprises to expand into overseas markets.

The "Trademark Law of the People's Republic of China" is the primary legal document for trademark registration and manag...
13/05/2025

The "Trademark Law of the People's Republic of China" is the primary legal document for trademark registration and management. According to this law, natural persons, legal entities, or other organizations that need to obtain exclusive trademark rights for their goods or services in production and business activities shall apply for trademark registration with the Trademark Office. Once registered, a trademark is protected by law, and others are prohibited from using it without permission.

Trademark registration is a crucial means for enterprises to protect their brands and safeguard their market rights. In ...
13/05/2025

Trademark registration is a crucial means for enterprises to protect their brands and safeguard their market rights. In the fiercely competitive market, a unique and legally protected trademark can become a valuable intangible asset for an enterprise. However, determining the optimal timing for trademark registration is a question that requires careful consideration by enterprises.

China's Trademark Registration Certificate grants holders rights for10 years from the date of approval, as stipulated ...
13/05/2025

China's Trademark Registration Certificate grants holders rights for10 years from the date of approval, as stipulated in the Trademark . To maintain validity beyond this period, the registrant must file for renewalwithin 12 months prior to expirationand pay the prescribed fee. If missed, a6-month grace periodis allowed with an additional late fee. Each extends protection for another decade, with no limit on renewals. Failure to renew within the grace period results in automatic cancellation of the , allowing third parties to apply for registration.

Strategy 2: Trademark Design and Significance Optimization - Avoiding Legal Prohibited AreasCore logic: The distinctiven...
19/03/2025

Strategy 2: Trademark Design and Significance Optimization - Avoiding Legal Prohibited Areas

Core logic: The distinctiveness of a trademark is a prerequisite for its protection. If the trademark design is improper, it may result in registration failure or invalidation.

1. Avoid the trap of descriptive vocabulary

Article 11 of the Trademark Law prohibits the use of words that directly describe the functions, raw materials, uses, etc. of goods as trademarks. For example, the use of "Fresh" for juice trademarks and "Steel" for thermos trademarks may be rejected due to lack of distinctiveness. 'Monkey Gu' Biscuits: Although 'Monkey Gu' originates from 'Monkey Head Mushroom', it avoids the risk of directly describing the ingredients through homophonic means and successfully obtained trademark registration. The American brand "Apple" has successfully registered in China because it has no direct descriptive association with electronic products and has strong significance. When designing a trademark, it is advisable to avoid using vocabulary that directly describes the characteristics of the product, and instead choose vocabulary or graphics that are unique and innovative.

3. Dealing with the risk of "blind check period"The database of the China Trademark Office has a "blind search period" o...
19/03/2025

3. Dealing with the risk of "blind check period"

The database of the China Trademark Office has a "blind search period" of about 4 months, during which trademarks applied for cannot be retrieved. This provides an opportunity for malicious hijackers.

Staged application: For combined trademarks (such as text and graphic combinations), the application can be submitted in stages, with the text part first and then the graphic part, to reduce the risk of being registered. Entrust professional institutions to dynamically monitor trademark announcements, and immediately initiate opposition procedures upon discovering similar trademarks (Article 33 of the Trademark Law). Professional institutions can use their vast databases and professional analytical capabilities to promptly identify potential risks of unauthorized registration.

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1807B1 Shenhua Commerce Building, 2018 Jiabin Road, Luohu District
Shenzhen
518000

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+8619926424169

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