{"id":9591,"date":"2026-10-20T15:54:33","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T13:54:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.feliu.biz\/?p=9591"},"modified":"2026-10-20T15:56:26","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T13:56:26","slug":"chinas-new-trademark-law-2027","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.feliu.biz\/en\/chinas-new-trademark-law-2027","title":{"rendered":"CHINA’S NEW TRADEMARK LAW 2027: KEY CHANGES AND HOW BUSINESSES SHOULD PREPARE"},"content":{"rendered":"

China strengthens intellectual property protection with a major reform introducing new requirements for trademark registration, use, and enforcement.<\/p>\n

On January 1, 2027, the new Trademark Law of the People’s Republic of China is set to come into force, introducing significant changes to the management and protection of intellectual property rights in the Chinese market.<\/p>\n

This legislative reform represents an important development for international companies operating in China or planning to expand into this market. The new provisions strengthen measures against bad-faith trademark registrations, introduce stricter requirements regarding genuine trademark use, and modify certain administrative procedures.<\/p>\n

For European and international businesses with commercial interests in China, anticipating these changes will be essential to protecting their assets and minimizing legal risks.<\/p>\n

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What Are the Main Changes Under China’s New Trademark Law?<\/strong><\/p>\n

China maintains its first-to-file<\/em> principle, under which trademark registration priority is generally granted to the party that files the application first.<\/p>\n

However, the reform places greater emphasis on ensuring that registered trademarks correspond to genuine business activities or a justifiable commercial strategy.<\/p>\n

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The main changes include:<\/p>\n

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  1. Shorter Trademark Opposition Period<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The deadline for filing an opposition against a trademark application will be reduced from three months to two months following its preliminary publication.<\/p>\n

    This change requires businesses to strengthen their trademark monitoring systems and respond more quickly to potentially conflicting applications.<\/p>\n

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    1. Stricter Controls on Trademarks Without Genuine Use<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      The new legislation introduces stricter controls on trademark applications filed without a genuine intention to use the mark or exceeding the reasonable needs of a company’s business activities.<\/p>\n

      Although defensive trademark registrations may still form part of a legitimate protection strategy, businesses will need to provide stronger justification for their purpose.<\/p>\n

      Furthermore, the reform strengthens mechanisms for cancelling trademarks that have remained unused for three consecutive years, unless there are valid reasons for non-use.<\/p>\n

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      1. Stronger Measures Against Bad-Faith Trademark Registrations<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        The reform expands legal mechanisms to combat fraudulent applications and abusive trademark registration practices.<\/p>\n

        The measures include warnings and financial penalties of up to RMB 100,000 for certain violations, with potential liability also extending to trademark agents involved in such practices.<\/p>\n

        These provisions aim to promote a more transparent registration system and protect businesses against the misappropriation of their distinctive signs.<\/p>\n

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        1. Recognition of Trademark Use in Digital Environments<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          The new legislation expressly recognizes the importance of trademark use through the internet and other digital channels.<\/p>\n

          This is particularly relevant for businesses selling products through e-commerce platforms, online marketplaces, and other digital sales channels.<\/p>\n

          Maintaining documentary evidence of commercial trademark use will be essential to demonstrate genuine business activity and defend intellectual property rights in potential administrative proceedings.<\/p>\n

           <\/p>\n

          Other Important Developments for Businesses<\/strong><\/p>\n

          In addition to these changes, the reform introduces amendments affecting other areas of trademark protection:<\/p>\n