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China Trademarks TM01

Can a foreign company register a trademark in China?

Yes. A foreign company can apply directly in China or use an international route where available. An applicant without a habitual residence or business office in Mainland China generally handles a direct application through a qualified Chinese trademark agency.

Research checked: 5 August 2026 Reviewed for publication

Why it matters

Put the question in the right procedure and timeline

China trademark work is driven by filing position, the selected goods and services, and procedural stage. As of 29 July 2026, the 2019 Trademark Law remains operative; the revised 2026 law takes effect on 1 January 2027.

What changes the answer

What can change the answer

Use the applicant's exact legal name and address consistently across the application, priority record and corporate evidence.

Check before acting

Do not act on the summary alone for a live matter. An official record, service date, document version, party identity or transitional rule can change the conclusion.

What to prepare

Prepare these three points

  1. 01

    The applicant's current registry extract showing its exact legal name, entity type and registered address.

  2. 02

    A clear mark specimen and a list of the goods or services used or planned in China.

  3. 03

    Any priority filing, Chinese-name plan and preferred direct or Madrid filing route.

Next step

Apply the answer to your actual record

01

Search the proposed marks and identify conflicts by goods and services.

02

Check whether this fact changes the answer: Use the applicant's exact legal name and address consistently across the application, priority record and corporate evidence.

03

Calendar examination, opposition, review and renewal milestones.

China trademark work Ask about this issue

Official sources

Official sources used for this article

These links lead to original CNIPA, WIPO or Supreme People's Court materials. Check the latest text, effective date and matter-specific procedure when acting.

Prepared and checked by

Prepared and checked by Zhiquan IP against the listed primary materials. Cross-check the organization and contact details on the Credentials page.

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