CHINA FILING ROUTES · CHECKED 13 OCTOBER 2026
Two routes.
Different starting points.
A practical introduction for foreign brand owners and overseas IP firms considering China trademark protection. Refer to the linked official guidance and assess your own applicant and portfolio.
01 / DOMESTIC APPLICATION
Consider the applicant’s position.
For a domestic China application, CNIPA states that a foreign company without a business domicile in China must use a legally established trademark agency. Its guidance also describes direct filing by foreign nationals with habitual residence in China.
The rules do not require you to use a particular agency. Check the applicant’s circumstances and verify any proposed agency through the official inquiry system.
CNIPA — How can foreign applicants apply? · Official trademark agency inquiry
02 / MADRID DESIGNATION OF CHINA
Start with eligibility and the basic mark.
CNIPA identifies the Madrid System as another route for seeking protection in China. WIPO describes eligibility through nationality, domicile or business in a member, together with a basic application or registration at the Office of origin.
The international application is filed through that Office of origin. China then applies its own law to protection sought there. A China-stage refusal or dispute requires review of the actual notice, available procedure and applicable representation requirements.
WIPO — international filing overview · WIPO — provisional refusal response periods
COMPARE BEFORE INSTRUCTING
A short decision checklist.
| Question | Domestic route | Madrid route |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Applicant and mark for a China filing | Eligible applicant, Office of origin and basic mark |
| Portfolio context | China filing strategy, wording and existing rights | Basic mark, designations and China-specific issues |
| Representation | Check CNIPA requirements for the applicant | Distinguish WIPO representation from any China-stage representation |
| If there is a notice | Review the complete notice and deadline | Review the WIPO/CNIPA notice and applicable China procedure |
General information, not a determination of your filing eligibility or a deadline calculation. Sources reviewed 13 October 2026. Do not rely on this page to calculate a response deadline.
NEXT STEP
Bring the portfolio, not just a country name.
Your applicant, mark, current registrations and intended business can help identify the questions that need to be answered.