CBL’s Introduction

Any business with the right qualifications can register to provide trademark registration services within China to clients. The barrier to entry is much lower than in some other jurisdictions where only attorneys may offer this service.

This official government guidance by the China IP Administration translated by CBL provides a brief and informative overview of what is required to register as a trademark services provider in China.

 

Registering, Amending, and Terminating as a China Trademark Services Provider

Registering as a Trademark Services Provider 

Businesses applying to register as a Trademark Services Provider in China need to complete an online Compliance Declaration and registration form. Prospective trademark services providers are also required to sign and upload aStatement of Address and color scans of sealed business licenses, law firm registrations, or other documentation proving authorization to provide trademark agency or intellectual property agency services.

Updating Current Registrations 

To update registration details, registered trademark services providers can fill out and submit an online amendment form, together with a signed Compliance Declaration. All amendment requests must include color scans of sealed business licenses or law firm registrations. Company name changes must be accompanied by a sealed copy of the relevant approval issued by the jurisdictional agency, and any address changes must include a new Statement of Address.

Terminating a Trademark Services Provider Registration 

After concluding all ongoing trademark services, service providers can terminate their registration by completing the Compliance Declaration for Termination and filling out the online form for termination. Providers winding up their businesses are also required to submit the termination notice issued by the jurisdictional agency.
Businesses wishing to remain active after terminating their trademark services provider registration are required to upload new, sealed copies of their business licenses, law firm registrations, or additional documentation reflecting that they are no longer licensed to provide trademark agency or intellectual property agency services. Name changes occurring during termination must also be accompanied by sealed approval from the appropriate agency.

All registration application, amendment, and termination forms can be downloaded and filed online via the China Trademark Website.

Responsible Person & Trademark Agent Requirements 

A Trademark Services Provider’s responsible person must be the statutory representative shown on the business license, or the managing partner on a law firm license.

Trademark agents must be licensed to practice trademark law are required to meet certain compliance, ethical, and professional standards, and cannot represent more than two trademark service providers simultaneously. Former China National IP Administration, Patent Office, Trademark Office, or partner review agency employees are prohibited from serving as a partner, shareholder, or statutory representative of a trademark services provider for two years following their termination.

Correspondence Between the Trademark Office and Trademark Services Providers
All registration application, amendment, and termination forms can be downloaded and filed online via the China Trademark Website.
The Trademark Office will send all correspondence to the address listed in the trademark services provider registration, and correspondence will be deemed received upon delivery to the address on file. Follow-up documents for online applications are sent per the Trademark Online Service System User Agreement.

Registration Processing Fees 

No processing fees are charged when applying for trademark services provider registration.

Approved filings will be published to the China Trademarks Website.