Overview #
Understanding China’s trademark fees helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. Costs fall into two buckets: official fees paid to CNIPA (China National Intellectual Property Administration) and agency fees for professional search, filing, and prosecution.
Official CNIPA Fees #
| Item | Electronic | Paper |
|---|---|---|
| New application (one class, up to 10 goods/services) | CNY 270 | CNY 300 |
| Each additional item beyond 10 (per class) | CNY 27 | CNY 30 |
| Renewal (per class) | CNY 450 | CNY 500 |
| Late renewal (6-month grace period, per class) | CNY 675 | CNY 750 |
| Assignment / transfer | CNY 450 | CNY 500 |
| Change of name/address | CNY 150 | CNY 150 |
| Opposition filing | CNY 500 | CNY 500 |
| Review / appeal (refusal) | CNY 750 | CNY 750 |
| Invalidation / cancellation request | CNY 750 | CNY 750 |
Note: official fees are charged per class. A mark filed in three classes costs three times the single-class fee.
Agency Fees #
Because foreign applicants must appoint a licensed Chinese agent, agency fees are a necessary part of the budget. A typical package includes:
- Pre-filing clearance search and registrability opinion.
- Preparation and filing of the application.
- Monitoring and responding to office actions.
- Handling the registration certificate.
Agency fees vary by firm and complexity; a straightforward single-class filing is usually the most economical option, while multi-class or complex marks cost more.
Total Cost Example (Single Class) #
| Component | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Official filing fee (electronic, up to 10 items) | CNY 270 |
| Agency service fee (typical range) | CNY 1,500–3,000 |
| Total (approx.) | CNY 1,800–3,300 |
Renewal Costs #
A registration lasts 10 years. To renew, file within 12 months before expiry, or within a 6-month grace period after expiry at a higher fee. Budget for renewal well in advance to keep your protection uninterrupted.
Cost-Saving Tips #
- File electronically — electronic filing is cheaper than paper.
- Choose classes carefully — each extra class adds a full fee, so select only the classes you genuinely need.
- Consolidate items — the base fee covers 10 items; choose the 10 most relevant goods/services per class.
- Do a proper search first — avoiding a refusal saves you the cost of a review and re-filing.
Want a precise quote for your trademark? Get a free cost estimate from our team.