The Trademark Office of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has issued an official announcement on the full digitalization of trademark application acceptance, examination, adjudication, and official correspondence. The move is designed to further improve public trademark services, facilitate procedures for applicants and trademark agencies, and enhance examination efficiency.
Key Effective Date
Starting July 1, 2026, trademark matters handled through trademark agencies must, in principle, be submitted electronically via the Trademark Online Service System, with paper documents no longer being accepted. Trademark matters requiring the submission of electronic evidence must comply with the requirements set forth in the Guidelines for Submission of Electronic Evidence in Trademark Matters.
Fee Reductions for Online Filings
Applications submitted online through the Trademark Online Service System will enjoy fee reductions in accordance with relevant regulations of the Ministry of Finance and the National Development and Reform Commission. Specifically:
Online applications for trademark change matters will be free of charge.
Other online trademark applications will receive a 10% discount.
For detailed fee schedules, applicants are advised to consult the Trademark Fee Payment Guide available on the China Trademark Website.
Transition Period
A transition period is in effect from the date of this announcement (May 9, 2026) through June 30, 2026. During this period, trademark agencies are encouraged to make necessary preparations and are urged to prioritize electronic submission of trademark materials through the online system in accordance with the Guidelines for Submission of Electronic Evidence in Trademark Matters.
Legacy Paper Applications
For paper applications filed prior to the issuance of this announcement, responses and supplemental materials may still be submitted in paper form. The Trademark Office is currently upgrading its systems and will subsequently introduce a function to convert paper documents into electronic format. Once this feature is launched, responses and supplemental materials for paper-based applications may also be submitted through the Trademark Online Service System.
WEIPR Words
This new e‑filing regime brings tangible cost savings and procedural efficiency – and our team is fully equipped to guide you through every step of the transition; feel free to contact us for dedicated support.
Source: https://sbj.cnipa.gov.cn/sbj/tzgg/202605/t20260509_38419.html
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