Trademark registration in China is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your brand in a first-to-file market — but the total price is often higher than the headline government fee suggests. The official fee charged by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) starts at just RMB 270 per class for electronic filing, yet most foreign applicants pay more once agency fees, searches, and additional classes are factored in. This guide breaks down the 2026 official fees, realistic professional costs, and the factors that move the final number.
- CNIPA’s official trademark application fee is RMB 270 per class for electronic filing, covering up to ten items.
- Each additional item beyond ten within a class costs RMB 27 in official fees.
- A Chinese trademark registration is valid for ten years and renewable for RMB 450 per class.
- Realistic agency fees for search-and-file work typically add RMB 2,000 to RMB 4,000 per class.
- Foreign applicants must file through a licensed Chinese trademark agent under a first-to-file system.
- Official application fee: RMB 270 per class (electronic), RMB 300 per class (paper).
- Items included per class: ten goods or services.
- Additional item surcharge: RMB 27 per item (electronic).
- Validity: ten years, renewable.
- Renewal fee: RMB 450 per class (electronic).
- Typical timeline: about nine to twelve months to registration.
Table of Contents
Official CNIPA Filing Fees
The official government fees are set by CNIPA and are the same whether you file directly or through an agent. Because nearly all applications are filed electronically through an agency account, the RMB 270 electronic rate is the figure you will effectively pay for a single class containing up to ten goods or services. The official CNIPA fee schedule lists the following rates.
| Fee item | Electronic (RMB) | Paper (RMB) |
|---|---|---|
| Trademark application, one class (up to 10 items) | 270 | 300 |
| Each additional item beyond 10 | 27 | 30 |
| Renewal, per class (every 10 years) | 450 | 500 |
| Opposition or transfer, per class | 450 | 500 |
These are the official government fees only. They do not include the professional work that makes the application likely to succeed — search, classification, drafting the specification, and responding to office actions. For context on how long the process takes, see our guide to the trademark registration timeline in China.
Agency and Professional Fees
Foreign applicants cannot file directly with CNIPA and must act through a licensed Chinese trademark agent. A competent agent’s search-and-file fee for a single class typically falls in the RMB 2,000 to RMB 4,000 range, bringing a realistic uncontested filing to roughly RMB 2,300 to RMB 4,300 per class — around USD 320 to USD 600 — when the official fee is included. Quotes far below this range deserve scrutiny, because the value lies in the clearance search and the careful drafting of the goods and services specification, not just the submission itself.
Our trademark registration service covers the full process, and our IP services team can advise on multi-class and international filing strategy, including whether the Madrid Protocol or a direct CNIPA filing makes more sense for your brand.
What Else Affects the Total Cost
Several factors can move the final figure. Filing in multiple classes multiplies the official fee and the agent’s per-class work. A poor specification that triggers an office action adds response costs and delay. If a conflicting mark appears, you may need to respond to a provisional refusal or file an opposition at RMB 450 per class. Renewal every ten years costs RMB 450 per class, and recordals such as a change of name or an assignment carry small additional fees. The single most effective way to control costs is to invest in a thorough clearance search before filing — in a first-to-file system, prevention is far cheaper than correction. See our guide to checking Chinese trademarks before you file.
How to Budget for Your Trademark Filing
Start with the official fee of RMB 270 per class, add a realistic agency fee, and build in a buffer for search work and any office-action responses. If your brand spans several classes, file them together so fixed incidentals such as notarization and power-of-attorney preparation are shared. And because China is a first-to-file jurisdiction, filing early is worth more than any marginal saving from delaying. If someone is already infringing your mark, our guide to trademark infringement enforcement in China explains your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a trademark in China?
The official CNIPA application fee is RMB 270 per class for electronic filing, covering up to ten goods or services. With a competent agency’s search-and-file work, a realistic total is roughly RMB 2,300 to RMB 4,300 per class in an uncontested case.
How much is the official trademark fee in China?
The official government fee is RMB 270 per class for electronic filing and RMB 300 per class for paper filing. Each class includes up to ten items, with a RMB 27 surcharge per additional item for electronic filings.
Can a foreign company file a trademark directly in China?
No. Foreign applicants must act through a registered Chinese trademark agent. Working with a licensed agent also gives you access to the clearance search and specification drafting that reduce the risk of refusal.
How long is a Chinese trademark valid?
A Chinese trademark registration is valid for ten years from the registration date and can be renewed indefinitely for further ten-year periods. The official renewal fee is RMB 450 per class for electronic filing.
Why should I register my trademark early in China?
China operates a first-to-file system, meaning the first party to file a mark generally obtains the rights. Filing early protects your brand from squatters and is far cheaper than trying to recover a mark that someone else registered first.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Official government fees are set by CNIPA and are subject to change, and the professional fees described are indicative ranges that vary by provider and case complexity. Always confirm current fees and obtain qualified advice before filing.
