China Trademark Registration & IP Support
Protect Your Brand Before Manufacturing or Expanding in China
Registering a brand in another country does not automatically provide trademark protection in China.
Prestige Sourcing helps international businesses coordinate China trademark applications, brand authorisation documents and communication with qualified Chinese intellectual property professionals.
- Trademark application coordination
- Brand authorisation support
- Qualified IP professional liaison
NZ-owned
Shenzhen Based
International Support
Practical IP Coordination
Why China Trademark Registration Matters
Trademark rights are generally territorial. Registering a trademark in another country does not automatically give the owner equivalent rights in China.
China generally operates on a first-to-file basis. Filing early can therefore be important, particularly before a brand name, logo, packaging design or Chinese-language name is widely shared or used within the Chinese supply chain.
Problems can arise when a business begins manufacturing branded goods before reviewing its China trademark position. A third party may apply for the same or a similar mark, or an existing registration may affect how the brand can be used.
This does not mean that every supplier or commercial partner presents a risk. However, resolving a disputed application or changing a brand after production has started can be significantly more difficult and expensive than reviewing the position early.
- English brand names
- Logos and device marks
- Chinese-language brand names
- Product and service classes
- Branded packaging and labels
How Prestige Sourcing Can Assist
The appropriate approach depends on the brand, products, existing registrations and how the business intends to manufacture, sell or distribute its products.
Prestige Sourcing helps coordinate the practical work required to move the process forward.
Preliminary Trademark Checks
We can coordinate an initial trademark search to identify registrations or applications that may conflict with the proposed brand name, logo or Chinese-language mark.
A preliminary search may identify obvious concerns, but it cannot guarantee that an application will be accepted or that every possible conflict will be found.
Application Coordination
We help collect and organise the required company documents, brand files and product information and coordinate the application through a qualified Chinese trademark professional.
The filing approach may include the English brand name, logo, Chinese-language name and relevant product or service classes.
Communication and Tracking
Prestige Sourcing can act as a practical communication point between the client and the appointed trademark professional.
We help clarify document requests, follow application progress and coordinate additional information where required.
Brand Authorisation Support
Factories, distributors, online sellers and other commercial partners may need written permission to manufacture, package, advertise or sell products using a client's brand.
We can help coordinate brand authorisation documents that clearly define the authorised party, permitted activities, relevant products and authorisation period.
Brand Authorisation Support
A factory may reasonably ask for evidence that it is authorised to manufacture products carrying a particular brand. Distributors, online marketplaces, logistics providers and other parties may also request proof of the relationship between the trademark owner and the company using the brand.
A poorly prepared or excessively broad authorisation document can create uncertainty about what the authorised party is permitted to do.
Prestige Sourcing can assist with the practical preparation and coordination of these documents. Where legal drafting or a legal opinion is required, this must be provided by a qualified professional.
Clear authorisation can also support practical Purchasing Support when factories and commercial partners need proof of permission to use a brand.
- The legal identity of the trademark owner
- The identity of the authorised company
- The trademark or brand covered
- The products or services included
- The permitted activities
- The countries or territories covered, where relevant
- The start and end dates
- Confirmation that trademark ownership is not being transferred
Our Process
The practical work is coordinated in clear stages, with qualified trademark professionals handling filing and legal work where required.
1. Initial Information
Provide the proposed brand name, logo, product details, target markets and information about any existing trademark applications or registrations.
2. Preliminary Review
We review the practical requirements and coordinate any appropriate initial searches with a qualified trademark professional.
3. Application Preparation
The recommended marks, classes and filing approach are confirmed. We help collect and organise the required company and brand documentation.
4. Submission and Follow-Up
The application is submitted through the appropriate professional. Prestige Sourcing assists with communication, progress tracking and requests for additional information.
When Should You Consider Registration?
China trademark protection should ideally be considered before significant brand information is placed into production or shared widely through the supply chain.
Early filing does not remove every intellectual property risk. It can, however, place the brand owner in a stronger position and reduce the likelihood of expensive changes or disputes later.
- Before providing branded product files to a factory
- Before ordering branded packaging, labels or moulds
- Before launching products manufactured in China
- Before appointing a Chinese distributor or sales representative
- Before attending a trade show in China
- Before selling through Chinese online platforms
- Before authorising another company to use the brand
- Before publicly launching a Chinese-language brand name
Additional Trademark and IP Support
Some matters extend beyond a standard trademark application. Depending on the circumstances, Prestige Sourcing may also help coordinate specialist assistance involving:
These matters are assessed individually. Legal advice, formal representation and enforcement work must be handled by appropriately qualified professionals.
- Trademark renewals
- Changes of trademark ownership
- Suspected unauthorised applications
- Trademark oppositions or cancellations
- Intellectual property agreements
- China Customs intellectual property recordal
- Suspected counterfeiting
- Unauthorised use of a brand
- Introductions to appropriate intellectual property professionals
Practical Local Coordination
For many overseas businesses, the difficult part is not recognising that trademark protection matters. It is understanding what information is required, who should handle the application and how to communicate effectively throughout the process.
A local coordination point
Prestige Sourcing is New Zealand-owned and based in Shenzhen, China. We provide international clients with a practical local coordination point for trademark applications, brand authorisation and related intellectual property support.
Connected sourcing support
We help clients organise the practical requirements, communicate with the relevant professionals and keep the process moving.
This service can be used independently or alongside our China sourcing, Supplier Verification and purchasing support services.
Important Information
Prestige Sourcing is not a Chinese law firm and does not provide regulated Chinese legal advice.
Trademark searches, applications, legal opinions, disputes and enforcement work are handled through qualified third-party professionals where required.
A preliminary search cannot guarantee that an application will be accepted or identify every possible conflict. Registration decisions and processing timeframes are controlled by the relevant authorities.
Prestige Sourcing does not guarantee registration, examination timeframes or the outcome of any dispute or enforcement matter.
Trademark and IP Support FAQs
Does an overseas trademark protect me in China?
Not automatically. Trademark rights are generally territorial, so registration in another country does not by itself provide equivalent trademark protection in China.
Can Prestige Sourcing file the trademark directly?
We coordinate the process with qualified Chinese trademark and intellectual property professionals. Prestige Sourcing assists with practical preparation, documentation, communication and follow-up.
Should I register both my English and Chinese brand names?
Potentially. The appropriate strategy depends on how the brand will be manufactured, marketed, distributed and referred to in China. The English name, logo and Chinese-language name may need to be considered separately.
Can you guarantee that my application will be accepted?
No. Acceptance depends on existing rights, the proposed mark, the selected product or service classes and the examination conducted by the relevant authority.
Can you help prepare brand authorisation for a factory?
Yes. We can help coordinate practical brand authorisation documentation that identifies the trademark owner, authorised factory, relevant products, permitted activities and authorisation period.
Do I need a China trademark if I only manufacture there?
It may still be worth considering. Even when products are sold primarily overseas, the brand may appear on products, packaging, export documents or manufacturing instructions within China. The appropriate approach depends on the products and supply chain.
Can you help if someone has already applied for my brand?
We can help gather the relevant information and coordinate contact with an appropriate Chinese trademark or intellectual property professional. The available options depend on the application status, existing rights, evidence and circumstances.
Protect Your Brand Before Problems Arise
Resolving a disputed trademark application or changing a brand after production has started can be far more complicated than reviewing the position early.
Contact Prestige Sourcing to discuss China trademark registration, brand authorisation or related intellectual property support.
