The basics
Intellectual property (IP) is a category of property that includes intangible creations of the human intellect, including patents, copyright, industrial design rights, trademarks, plant variety rights, trade dress, geographical indications, and in some jurisdictions, trade secrets.
A trademark is a distinctive sign that identifies a commodity, service, or related specific individual or enterprise. It can be in the form of graphics or text, or it can be represented by sound, smell, or three-dimensional images.
Trademark registration brings exclusive rights to the owner against others from using the trademark and gives the right to permit others to use the trademark for remuneration.
Symbols
A TM (™) sign indicates that the trademark is unregistered and is often used for advertisement or branding purposes when they have submitted the trademark application.
The R (®) symbol indicates that it has been formally and fully registered and will enjoy legal protection by the laws of the P.R.C. The trademark registration will be valid for ten years, and extension is possible by renewal application. Any unauthorized use from the owner of the trademark with the R (®) symbol will lead to legal punishment.
Materials
Either an individual or a company can be the application subject. The materials are:
In general, trademarks registered by companies are ideal for marketing, branding, and advertising, and your company will enjoy market value growth as the trademark gains popularity. Individual applications, on the other hand, are more flexible compared to corporate registration.
How it works
Quick answer: the typical application runs in six steps, from the search to the registration certificate. Select a step for detail.
Stage 1 of 6
Not all trademarks can be registered. Your trademark has to be originally designed and created by you to be approved and registered.
Stage 2 of 6
A trademark can be the combination of Chinese characters, English characters, numbers, images, 3D visuals, colors, etc.
Stage 3 of 6
After submitting the trademark application with materials of the registration subjects, the trademark office conducts the preliminary review.
Stage 4 of 6
The Trademark Office checks whether the trademark complies with the relevant provisions of the Trademark Law.
Stage 5 of 6
After the examination, the Trademark Office announces and publishes the trademark to be approved.
Stage 6 of 6
After the announcement and publication period, the Trademark Office approves the trademark registration and issues a trademark registration certificate.
In general, the period of trademark application and registration can last about one year, or even more.
Applicant type
The choice of applicant and the route for international protection both shape how the trademark can be used.
Advantage: higher stability of the applicant information (basic personal information such as your name is less likely to be changed).
Disadvantage: more difficult to present evidence due to the lack of operation records. Once the trademark is approved, it can still be used by the company with the authorization from the trademark owner.
Advantage: more suitable for branding and marketing, easier to get customer recognition as it is directly linked to your company, and easier to present evidence in cases of commercial disputes.
Disadvantage: the company information, such as the registration address and company name, may change during operation. The registration information of the trademark needs to be changed at the same time.
Trademark applicants can submit applications through the trademark authorities of their countries to extend the protection of trademarks. Applicants only need to submit one application and pay one set of fees to apply for protection in many member jurisdictions (as of October 2026, WIPO lists 117 members covering 133 countries).
Common questions
If the trademark sample is submitted in B&W, you can change the colors after successful registration of the trademark. If the trademark sample is in colors, you will only use the exact combination of colors. The images with changed colors will not be protected.
You should report immediately to the Trademark Office within the three-month publication period and provide strong evidence of the origin of creation.
Why Hongda
Coordinate trademark protection with the company setup around it, with one China-based service team.
Serving foreign companies in China since 2007, with client relationships that go back to 2008.
Company setup, banking, tax, payroll and work permits coordinated by one team.
English-language project management with a China-based team in seven locations.
We confirm the scope before work begins and say which decisions rest with authorities or banks.
Client voices
Travis Perkins
David Finch BA ACMA CMIIA CAMA
Director of Group Business Risk & Assurance, Travis Perkins PLC
With Hongda since 2008
Travis Perkins PLC (a leading builders merchant in the UK) has been using Hongda Business Services since 2008 for accounting and professional services. Throughout this time, we have found the team at Hongda to be very helpful and professional in their dealings with us. We look forward to working with the company in the future.
Sound United
Jack Peng
Vice President, Asia Pacific, Sound United
With Hongda since 2013
Sound United (a leading designer and manufacturer of consumer audio products in the US) has been using Hongda Business Services since 2013. Moving one’s operations to China is not a small task, but Hongda’s expert services helped us set up a company and deal with tax issues so we could get on with growing our business in no time at all, and that’s why we continue to use them today.
Tulip Pacific Ltd.
Erik de Waard
Director, Tulip Pacific Ltd.
With Hongda since 2012
Tulip Pacific Ltd. (Business planning and interim financial management services) has been using Hongda Business Services since 2012. Hongda has helped us set up legal entities in China/HK and takes care of our annual company audits. They are the most efficient business service provider I have worked with to-date, and their professional advice has helped me better advise my own clients and provide greater value to my overall business.
Your team
Meet the three chief consultants at Hongda, including founder Angel Ho and co-founder Bobby Lee.
Chief Consultant, CEO
Founder of Hongda in 2007. Holds Chinese Tax Agent, IPA (Australia) and IFA (UK) certificates. Provides one-stop services covering market access, company establishment, financial settlement, financial and tax consultation, and human resources management.
Chief Consultant
Co-founder of Hongda. Many years of corporate legal consultancy and involvement in managing client enterprises. Familiar with tax, personnel and project management work across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau. Excellent English communication skills.
Chief Consultant
24 years in enterprise management, business development, and financial and tax compliance. Has provided financial and tax advisory services for hundreds of companies. In-depth learning and practical experience in IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards), Generally Accepted Auditing Standards and International Taxation.
If the trademark sample is submitted in B&W, you can change the colors after successful registration of the trademark. If the trademark sample is in colors, you will only use the exact combination of colors. The images with changed colors will not be protected.
Yes. You can transfer your trademark to others, whether your trademark has been approved or is still in application.
You can search trademarks from the database of the Trademark Office of China National Intellectual Property Administration.
The application takes several steps, including formal examination, substantive examination and the publication period. Depending on examination, corrections and any opposition, it can take a year or more.
You should report immediately to the Trademark Office within the three-month publication period and provide strong evidence of the origin of creation.
The Madrid System is a good idea to apply for trademark protection in various countries, but it only covers its member jurisdictions (as of October 2026, 117 members covering 133 countries). In addition, you will need to make payments to the trademark administrations of the countries in which you want to have legal protection of your trademark.
Contact our team
Share your plans, structure and timing. We confirm the scope with you before any work starts.
