How much does it cost to register a trade mark in China?

Filing a trade mark in China costs from CNY 270 per class (approximately AUD 60) if you file directly with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) online. However, foreign applicants cannot file directly — you must appoint a Chinese trade mark agent, which adds to the cost. If you file via the Madrid Protocol from Australia, costs start from around AUD 4,400 for a single-class application including WIPO fees and professional fees.

China is a first-to-file jurisdiction, which means the first person to file a trade mark application generally gets the rights — regardless of who used the mark first. This makes early filing particularly important if you sell or plan to sell in China.

This article covers the government fees, explains what drives the total cost, and compares direct filing with the Madrid Protocol.

Need a cost estimate? Use our international filing fee calculator for a personalised quote, or contact us to discuss your China filing strategy.

Quick cost summary

Filing method	Per class	Notes
CNIPA direct (online)	CNY 270 (~AUD 60)	Foreign applicants must use a Chinese agent
CNIPA direct (paper)	CNY 300 (~AUD 65)	Foreign applicants must use a Chinese agent
Madrid Protocol (WIPO fees only)	653 CHF base + 249 CHF (China designation)	Per class
Madrid Protocol via Markster	From ~AUD 4,400 total	One class

All fees are approximate and subject to exchange rate fluctuations. Check the CNIPA website and WIPO Madrid fee calculator for the latest rates.

What affects the cost?

Number of classes

CNIPA charges per class. China also has a notable quirk: each class is limited to 10 items of goods or services. If you specify more than 10 items within a single class, an additional fee applies for each extra item. This means careful drafting of your goods and services description is important to avoid unnecessary costs.

Mandatory local agent (for direct filings)

Foreign applicants cannot file directly with CNIPA on their own. You must appoint a licensed Chinese trade mark agent. Agent fees typically range from CNY 1,000 to CNY 5,000 (approximately AUD 220 to AUD 1,100) per class, depending on the agent and the complexity of the application. This is the largest cost component for most foreign filers.

Sub-class system

China uses the Nice Classification system but applies it more granularly than most countries. Within each Nice class, China recognises sub-classes, and trade marks are examined for conflicts at the sub-class level. This can affect your filing strategy and potentially require more classes than you would need in other jurisdictions.

Language requirements

Applications must be filed in Chinese. If you're filing via the Madrid Protocol, WIPO handles the translation. If you're filing directly, your Chinese agent will prepare the Chinese-language application. Trade mark names themselves may also need to be filed in Chinese characters if you want to protect a Chinese version of your brand.

Post-filing costs

CNIPA examination can result in refusals, and the review and appeal process in China can be lengthy. Opposition proceedings are also common. Budget for the possibility of needing to respond to objections.

Direct filing vs Madrid Protocol

Filing directly with CNIPA (via Chinese agent)

Item	Cost
CNIPA filing fee (per class, online)	CNY 270 (~AUD 60)
Chinese trade mark agent	CNY 1,000–5,000 (~AUD 220–1,100) per class
Estimated total (one class)	CNY 1,270–5,270 (~AUD 280–1,160)

Pros:

• The registration is standalone and independent of your Australian registration
• Direct communication with CNIPA through your Chinese agent
• The agent can advise on Chinese-specific issues like sub-class strategy and Chinese-character marks
• Potentially cheaper than Madrid if China is the only country you need

Cons:

• You must appoint a Chinese agent — no option to file without one
• Managing a Chinese agent from Australia requires additional coordination
• Applications and correspondence are in Chinese
• Only covers China

Filing via the Madrid Protocol

Item	Cost
WIPO base fee	653 CHF (~AUD 1,050)
China designation fee	249 CHF (~AUD 400) per class
Professional service fee	From AUD 2,750 (covers up to 3 countries)
Estimated total (one class)	From ~AUD 4,400

Pros:

• No need to appoint a Chinese agent at the filing stage
• Single application can cover China and other countries simultaneously
• Filing is in English through WIPO
• Centralised management of your international portfolio

Cons:

• The international registration depends on your base Australian registration for the first five years
• If CNIPA issues a provisional refusal, you will still need to engage a Chinese agent to respond
• Less control over the Chinese-language aspects of the application
• More expensive than direct filing if China is the only country you need

Key consideration: If China is the only country you need to protect, direct filing through a Chinese agent is usually cheaper. The Madrid Protocol is more cost-effective when you're filing in multiple countries at once. However, the Madrid route avoids the complexity of engaging a Chinese agent upfront, which some businesses find valuable.

For a detailed comparison, see our article on the pros and cons of filing directly vs using WIPO.

Local agent requirements

Foreign applicants must appoint a licensed Chinese trade mark agent for direct filings with CNIPA. There is no exception to this rule.

If you file via the Madrid Protocol, a Chinese agent is not required at the filing stage. However, if CNIPA issues a provisional refusal (which is relatively common), you will need to engage a Chinese agent to file a response.

Renewal fees and obligations

Chinese trade mark registrations last for 10 years from the date of registration (not the filing date) and can be renewed indefinitely.

Requirement	When	Fee
Renewal	Every 10 years	CNY 500 per class (~AUD 110)
Late renewal surcharge	Within 6-month grace period	CNY 250 per class (~AUD 55)

China does not require periodic proof of use to maintain a registration. However, a trade mark can be cancelled by a third party if it has not been used for three consecutive years. Given China's first-to-file system, maintaining use evidence is particularly important.

Why filing early in China matters

China is a first-to-file jurisdiction. Unlike Australia, the US, and many other countries, prior use of a mark does not give you priority over someone who files first. Trade mark squatting — where someone files your brand name before you do — is a well-documented problem in China.

If you sell products in China, manufacture in China, or sell on Chinese e-commerce platforms (including Alibaba, Taobao, or JD.com), you should file your trade mark in China as early as possible. The cost of filing is far less than the cost of trying to recover a mark that someone else has registered.

Example cost scenarios

Scenario	Approx. cost
One class, direct filing (CNIPA + Chinese agent)	CNY 1,270–5,270 (~AUD 280–1,160)
One class, Madrid Protocol via Markster	From ~AUD 4,400
Two classes, direct filing	CNY 2,540–10,540 (~AUD 560–2,320)
China + US + EU via Madrid (one class each)	From ~AUD 6,700

Use our international filing fee calculator for a tailored estimate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to trade mark a name in China?

The CNIPA government fee is CNY 270 per class (online). However, foreign applicants must use a Chinese trade mark agent, which adds approximately CNY 1,000 to CNY 5,000 per class. Filing via the Madrid Protocol from Australia starts from around AUD 4,400 for one class.

Do I need a Chinese agent to file a trade mark?

Yes, if you file directly with CNIPA. All foreign applicants must appoint a licensed Chinese trade mark agent. If you file via the Madrid Protocol, no Chinese agent is needed at the filing stage, but one may be required if CNIPA raises objections.

How long does Chinese trade mark registration take?

CNIPA typically takes 15 to 24 months to process an application from filing to registration. The examination period itself is around 9 months, followed by a 3-month opposition period.

Should I register my trade mark in Chinese characters?

If you plan to sell in the Chinese market, it is often advisable to register a Chinese-character version of your brand name in addition to the English version. Chinese consumers will typically refer to foreign brands by a Chinese name, and if you don't register one, someone else might.

Can someone register my trade mark in China before I do?

Yes. China is a first-to-file jurisdiction, meaning whoever files first generally gets the rights. Trade mark squatting is a known issue. Filing early is the best protection.

---

For an overview of international filing options, see how to file an international trade mark.

Ready to protect your brand in China? Get a fee estimate or contact us to discuss your options.

Please note, the information in this article is general in nature and is not legal advice. You should seek independent legal advice tailored to you and your circumstances.