Several foreign businesses find it hard to handle the trademark registration process in China. One of the primary things to do is perform a comprehensive trademark search. Then, you must start the registration process and complete it vigilantly. You should seek professional help to make everything uncomplicated. Never ignore these aspects when you pan for trademark search and registration in China.
Understand the purpose of a search
Why should you conduct a Chinese trademark search? It is the process of reviewing current trademarks registered with the CNIPA. This search will help you understand whether your intended trademark is already registered. When you seek the help of an experienced agency to perform this search, you can avoid all potential conflicts. It makes your application process result-driven.
Understand the best tools for making your search effective
There are many tools available to conduct a China trademark registration search. The most common one is the free online database for trademark searches offered by CNIPA. This tool provides a basic idea about the originality of your desired trademark. At the same time, you can seek the help of a professional agency that uses more sophisticated tools. You can expect more authentic and detailed results from the advanced tools of professional agencies.
The details required to perform a trademark search
You must perform an extensive search to get the best results and avoid future complications. What are the details you need? The first thing you need is your expected trademark. It can be a word, logo, or a blend of these two aspects. The Nice classification relevant to your business is another requirement you need. Do you plan to use any variations of your trademark? Then, you must have that one as well.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of DIY trademark searches?
Many people conduct their own searches to find details. It can be done using CNIPA’s online database. It is available to all people. You do not have to pay any fee to use this platform. Are you familiar with this system? Many people find it hard to use this database. If you do not have proficiency in the Chinese language, you may struggle to handle it. That is where the significance of professional agencies comes in. They know how to conduct these searches clinically and generate the best reports.
An overview of the main challenges of performing a trademark search in China
The language is the prime concern for most people. Several foreign businesses struggle to make a detailed Chinese trademark search because of the language barrier. You will not easily identify the trademarks that use Chinese characters. Another challenge that awaits you is the phonetic similarity. Numerous trademarks in China sound pretty similar. They may be spelled differently. These things make life difficult for people who do not know the Chinese language. Several people find the classification complexity highly challenging. If you do not have prior knowledge, you will find it daunting to grasp the Nice classification and its sub-categories.
How long does a trademark search take?
The primary Chine trademark registration search with the help of the CNIPA, can be completed within a few hours. This primary search may not reveal the minute details that are relevant to your case. Do you want authentic information that does not miss a single point? You should opt for a professional agency with a clean track record. Top professionals often take a few days to generate the best results. Their searches will reveal everything you must know, including conceptual and phonetic resemblances.
What steps you must take if your proposed trademark is registered already?
Many people experience this problem nowadays. You can revise your trademark before performing a new Chinese trademark search. Another option available is to negotiate with the present owner. You can explore the possibility of buying this trademark. What if the trademark is not active for the last 3 years? You can file a cancelation application for non-use.
Conclusion
Be cautious about these aspects when you plan for trademark search and registration in China. Never hesitate to hire a trustworthy professional agency to make a comprehensive search that delivers in-depth results. Further, the best trademark agencies will help you navigate the challenges associated with the registration process.