Trademark Registration in Hong Kong: Separate from Mainland China

Many international businesses assume a China trademark covers Hong Kong. This is not the case. Hong Kong operates its own independent trademark system under the Trade Marks Registry.

Key Facts

• Hong Kong trademark registration is independent of mainland China
• CNIPA trademarks do not extend to Hong Kong
• Hong Kong follows its own Trade Marks Ordinance
• Application is filed with the Hong Kong IP Department
• The Madrid System does not currently cover Hong Kong

Hong Kong Filing Process

Similar to China: search, file, examination (4-6 months), publication (3 months), registration. Protection validity is 10 years from filing date. Note: Macau and Taiwan also require separate registrations.

We recommend including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan in your Greater China IP strategy.