How to Renew a Trademark in China: 2025 Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Investors

Summary:

How to Renew a Trademark in China is a critical procedure for maintaining continuous legal protection under the China Trademark Law (2023 Amendment). Every registered mark in China is valid for ten years from the date of approval, and renewal must be filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) within twelve months before the expiry date, or during the six-month grace period after expiration (with late fees).
This guide prepared by GWBMA, explains the entire renewal process, required documents, government fees, timelines, and key compliance details for foreign investors and brand owners.

1. What Is a Trademark Renewal in China?

A trademark renewal is a formal request submitted to CNIPA to extend the protection term of a registered trademark for another ten-year period.
If renewal is not filed within the prescribed window, the registration will be automatically cancelled. Once cancelled, re-filing a new application will not preserve the original priority or registration date, and competitors may seize the opportunity to register similar marks.

Legal Basis

• Trademark Law of the People’s Republic of China (2023 Amendment) — Article 40

• CNIPA Regulation on Trademark Renewal and Change (2024 Implementation Rules)

• Official Filing Portal: https://sbj.cnipa.gov.cn/

2. Why Trademark Renewal in China for Foreign Companies

Renewal is not a mere formality — it is a safeguard against business interruption and infringement risks.

Key reasons:

1. Continuous Legal Protection: Ensures your trademark remains valid and enforceable in all Chinese jurisdictions.

2. Customs Recordal Validity: Without renewal, your Customs IP record will lapse, affecting import/export enforcement.

3. Avoid Trademark Hijacking: Once expired, bad-faith registrants may immediately file identical or similar marks.

4. Maintain Licensing Rights: Renewed marks are required for franchise, distribution, and joint-venture agreements.

5. Corporate Valuation & IP Audit: A valid trademark forms part of your company’s intangible asset valuation.

3. China Trademark Renewal Timeline (2025)

Filing Period

Important: Renewal cannot be filed earlier than 12 months before expiry or later than 6 months after. After this grace period, CNIPA will permanently cancel the mark.

Required Documents

For corporate or individual owners outside Mainland China, CNIPA requires submission through an authorized trademark agency such as GWBMA (RegistrationChina.com).

Fees (as of 2025)

All fees can be paid online via GWBMA’s secure platform (PayPal / Stripe / UnionPay).

Filing Method

Foreign applicants cannot file directly in the CNIPA portal.
Applications must be submitted through an officially recorded agency with a CNIPA agency code.
GWBMA’s submission process includes:

1. Pre-review of data and trademark status;

2. Digital filing via CNIPA’s Online Service System;

3. Confirmation of electronic receipt;

4. Monitoring of CNIPA examination status.

Timeline

All CNIPA certificates are issued in electronic form (PDF with QR-code verification).

4. Step-by-Step: How to Renew a Trademark in China (2025)

Step 1 — Check the Expiry Date

Find the expiration date on the CNIPA certificate. Start preparation 12 months before expiry.

Step 2 — Prepare Renewal Documents

GWBMA pre-checks registrant name, certificate details, and compliance status.

Step 3 — Submit Renewal Application via CNIPA

All foreign filings must pass through a CNIPA-licensed agency.
GWBMA files electronically through the CNIPA online system.

Step 4 — Pay Official CNIPA Fees

Payment is handled through GWBMA’s secure system.
(Credit card / Stripe / PayPal accepted)

Step 5 — Receive CNIPA Renewal Approval

CNIPA issues an electronic Renewal Certificate within 6–9 months.

Step 6 — Update Internal Records

Renewed trademarks must be re-uploaded to Customs, distributors, and partners.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Missing the Renewal Window: Once 6-month grace period passes, re-filing is treated as a new application.

2. Unclear Ownership: Renewal must match the exact registrant name; changes require separate filings.

3. Expired POA: If your previous POA is older than three years, CNIPA requires re-authorization.

4. Ignoring Multiple Classes: Renewal applies per class; each additional class requires separate payment.

5. Failing to Update Contact Info: CNIPA notices are sent electronically; outdated contact details may cause missed deadlines.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)— China Trademark Renewal (2025)

Q1. Can I renew a trademark automatically?
No. CNIPA requires a new renewal application each cycle; there is no auto-renewal system.

Q2. What if I miss the grace period?
The trademark will be cancelled and cannot be restored. You must re-file, losing all previous rights.

Q3. Can foreign owners pay CNIPA directly?
No. Payment must go through a registered Chinese agent.

Q4. How long should I keep the renewal certificate?
Permanently. It will be needed for Customs IP recordal, infringement actions, and licensing audits.

6. Conclusion:

Renewing a trademark in China is a straightforward yet strictly time-sensitive process.
By acting within the renewal window and filing through an authorized agency like GWBMA, foreign brand owners can ensure uninterrupted protection under CNIPA’s updated framework.

For full assistance with renewal, filing status tracking, or bulk trademark portfolio management, contact: service@gwbma.com

https://www.registrationchina.com/trademark/search/