March 27, 2025 Copyright ©️ 2025 by goldkeen International Patent & Trademark Joint Office

 

According to the latest statistics released via the official WeChat account of Guofang Trademark Software, the average examination time for trademark applications in China is as follows:
 

No.	Application Matter	Average Review Time (months)
1	Trademark registration application (ex officio review)	3	2025-03-10
2	Trademark registration application (substantive review)	3	2025-03-10
3	Response to office action	11	2025-03-10
4	Submission of priority claim documents	1	2025-03-10
5	Reexamination of refusal	12	2025-03-10
6	Trademark opposition	9	2025-03-10
7	Invalidation declaration	14	2025-03-10
8	Revocation of registered trademark	10	2025-03-10
9	Revocation due to three-year non-use	10	2025-03-10
10	Change of trademark agent	2	2025-03-10
11	Change of trademark applicant’s name/title/address	2	2025-03-10
12	Replacement/change/renewal certificate request	2	2025-03-10
13	Reissue of trademark certificate	1	2025-03-10
14	Issuance of trademark registration certificate	1	2025-03-10
15	Correction of trademark application/registration matters	1	2025-03-10
16	Trademark use permission recordation	1	2025-03-10
17	Modification of trademark use permission	1	2025-03-10
18	Early termination of trademark use permission	3	2025-03-10
19	Trademark renewal	1	2025-03-10
20	Trademark sales application	1	2025-03-10
21	Trademark assignment	3	2025-03-10

 

For entrepreneurs and brand owners considering establishing brand protection in the Chinese market, this is a key piece of information to note.
A trademark is not only a vital corporate asset and symbol of brand identity, but also a critical legal safeguard in competitive markets.
However, the trademark examination process has its own particularities.

Each case is reviewed individually by an examiner, meaning the examination time may vary depending on the complexity of the case or the volume of applications.

Therefore, if you wish to obtain trademark protection as quickly as possible, planning your application timeline in advance is especially important.
 

China Trademark Examination Timeline and Characteristics

In recent years, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has continuously optimized its procedures. However, due to the rapid increase in trademark application volume, the examination period still requires a certain amount of time.

Based on our professional experience, preliminary examination typically takes several months. The subsequent publication and opposition periods can further extend the overall registration timeline.

More importantly, each trademark application is independently reviewed by an examiner based on their professional judgment. During the examination, the trademark’s registrability, as well as any conflicts with existing trademarks, will be thoroughly assessed.

This makes the overall review period difficult to predict with precision, especially in complex cases or those that require amendments, clarifications, or other intermediate procedures, which can further prolong the waiting time.

Why Is Early Trademark Planning Crucial?

For entrepreneurs and brand owners, a trademark serves as the first line of defense when entering the market.
If trademark protection is not secured before launching a product or service, there is a serious risk of preemptive registration or infringement by others—particularly in a highly competitive market like China, where awareness of trademark rights is rapidly increasing.

Given the individualized nature of trademark examination and the inherent uncertainties in the process, early submission not only gives your brand a head start but also helps avoid delays that could impact your market strategy.

For instance, if you're planning to launch a product around a specific holiday or promotional event, it's advisable to start your trademark application process at least one year in advance to ensure protection is in place when it matters most.

 

Practical Recommendations for Early Trademark Filing

 

1.Pre-filing Trademark Search: Once the brand name or logo is finalized, it is essential to immediately engage a professional trademark firm to conduct a comprehensive search to identify any similar or conflicting registered trademarks. This step significantly reduces the risk of rejection.

2.Allow Sufficient Time: Given the current examination pace, it is recommended to file applications at least 6 to 12 months in advance, with additional time allocated for possible amendments or opposition proceedings.

3.Seek Professional Assistance: Engaging a professional trademark agency allows for expert assessment of approval likelihood, strategic planning of application classes, optimization of documentation, and proactive follow-up throughout the process.

4.Multi-Class Protection Strategy: If the brand spans multiple product or service categories, consider filing in several classes simultaneously to comprehensively protect the brand’s value.
 

Conclusion

For entrepreneurs and brand owners aiming to establish a strong foothold in the Chinese market, trademark protection is not a last-minute fix—it is a carefully planned strategy that demands foresight and early execution.

By planning your application timeline in advance, you not only gain a greater margin of legal security, but also an edge in a highly competitive environment.

Take action now and secure solid legal protection for your brand in the Chinese market!

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