China.org.cn | January 10, 2025
Jiangsu Broadcasting Corporation:
We know that trademarks are essential for market entry. Given China's vast number and diverse scale of business entities, what new measures have been implemented to facilitate trademark applications? Thank you.
Shen Changyu:
Thank you for your question. I'd like to invite Mr. Hu, who oversees trademark-related matters, to answer your question.
Hu Wenhui:
Thank you, Mr. Shen, and thanks you to the reporter for your question. China's vast market offers broad opportunities for the development of trademark industry. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan, annual trademark applications have exceeded 7 million. As of June this year, the number of valid registered trademarks in China reached 45.909 million, with an average of one valid trademark for every four business entities. To meet diverse trademark application needs and stimulate market vitality, CNIPA has implemented several business-friendly services throughout the trademark application and registration process.
First, in terms of application procedures, we have set up 353 trademark service centers across 31 provincial-level regions. These centers provide more than 20 types of trademark services, including application processing, modifications, renewals, and pledge registrations, along with in-person consultation services. At the same time, we have actively promoted fully digital trademark services, optimized the online application interface, and implemented fee discounts for digital submissions. As a result, the online trademark registration rate has reached 99.7%.
Second, in terms of data sharing, we have implemented electronic trademark certification to facilitate nationwide recognition of digital certificates. We've incorporated trademark information, decision documents, registration certificates, pledge registration notices, and related services into the national administrative service platform for easier business access. Additionally, we've enhanced the integration of business registration and trademark registration data, launching pilot programs in several locations that enable simultaneous processing of business modification registrations and trademark changes.
Third, in terms of examination policies, we've strengthened timeline management across all stages and optimized the distribution of examination resources to ensure prompt processing of various trademark services. The average trademark registration examination period now consistently stands at four months, which is at a leading level compared to other countries that also implement prior rights examinations.
Fourth, in terms of supporting business development, we have organized examiners to directly engage with people in sectors such as food, traditional Chinese medicine, cosmetics, agriculture, and agricultural product processing, introducing trademark application precautions, tips regarding the online application system, and other information to enhance the trademark awareness of business entities and promote better enterprise development.
Moving forward, we will continue to enhance trademark services and implement more efficient measures to meet business entities' needs for trademark registration and brand building, thereby contributing to high-quality economic and social development. Thank you.