Register your trademark in China before production
Arrange Chinese trade mark protection before branded production. China gives priority to earlier applications, so another party could register your brand if you delay. A UK registration does not protect it abroad. Search, agree the coverage and file through your own adviser. Cambridge China Bridge checks suppliers and production in China.
What first-to-file means for your brand
The UK Intellectual Property Office’s China factsheet says CNIPA emphasises first-to-file, with relatively little weight placed on use of an unregistered mark. In plain English, earlier applications matter. Having used your brand in Britain does not make waiting to apply in China safe.
GOV.UK says a registered UK trade mark does not provide protection overseas. Treat Chinese protection as a separate task when planning manufacture, even if your finished goods will be sold elsewhere. Ask a trade mark professional to assess your position before sharing branded production files.
Search before choosing the filing coverage
Ask an independent trade mark adviser to search your proposed name, logo and any Chinese-character name. The IPO factsheet explains that specialist searches can identify earlier applications that may prevent registration. Request the search findings and a written recommendation rather than relying on a factory’s assurance that the name is available.
Give the adviser a product list and explain intended uses of the brand. Ask them to match these to suitable classes and check the goods and services covered within each class. The IPO warns that China’s sub-classification system can leave gaps when applicants rely on broad class headings.
Decide the Chinese name and file before ordering
The IPO lists English-language word marks, Chinese-character marks and stylised logos among common application types. Discuss protection for each version you intend to use. Have a Chinese speaker check the meaning, sound and suitability of a proposed Chinese name before approving it for filing or packaging.
Make the search and filing decision part of preparation for your branded order. Ask your adviser to confirm submission, the named applicant, the coverage and any unresolved issues before you authorise branded production. Keep the filing record separate from production approval. Put the approved artwork into your product specification.
Keep the application under your control
Do not ask the factory to register your brand in its own name. Instruct your own adviser and confirm which brand-owning entity should appear as the applicant. Check the application copy yourself and retain correspondence and records. Putting the paperwork with the supplier creates an avoidable dependency when you change factories.
Keep supplier verification separate from trademark work. Our factory audit checklist covers production checks. If a search reveals a supplier’s application for your brand, pause branded artwork approval and contact your adviser. See a supplier registered your brand in China for the related response guide.
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Use an adviser, then brief the China team
GOV.UK recommends considering advice from a trade mark attorney or other IP professional because overseas protection can involve complex procedures. Ask them to recommend the filing route and confirm what protection has actually been secured. Give your sourcing team the approved names and artwork, together with clear instructions about unresolved issues.
Cambridge China Bridge uses its own staff in China for supplier checks and inspection against your approved production brief. For these checks, factory audits and inspections are usually included in the quote; complex checks that need a third party are charged separately and agreed in advance. Third-party testing is extra and agreed first with Cambridge China Bridge.
Frequently asked questions
Does my UK trademark protect my brand in China?
A UK registration does not provide overseas protection. Ask a trade mark professional to assess Chinese protection separately before branded production.
When should I apply for a trademark in China?
Start the search and filing work before committing to branded production. Ask your adviser to confirm the application record and unresolved risks before approving factory artwork.
Should my Chinese factory register my trademark?
Keep the application under your control through your own adviser. Confirm the intended brand owner as applicant and retain the filing records instead of leaving them with the factory.
Should I register a Chinese name for my brand?
Discuss the Chinese-character name with your adviser alongside the English name and logo. Check its meaning and sound, search it and agree the filing coverage before putting it on packaging.