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China Intellectual Property FAQs

Clear answers to common questions about patents, trademarks, designs and IP enforcement in China. Explore practical guidance on filing requirements, procedures, deadlines, costs and protection strategies for overseas companies, inventors and law firms.

Sometimes, but not automatically. Your existing overseas filings can provide a useful starting point. However, the way protection is extended or obtained in China depends on the type of IP, the filing route and the relevant Chinese requirements. We’ll review your existing filings and identify what can be carried forward, what needs to be adapted, and what should be filed separately in China.

Yes. You can keep your current international counsel or internal IP team.
We can handle the China side, including local filing work, China-specific advice, official communications and case coordination. Your existing team can continue managing the wider portfolio while working with us on China matters.

Start with the most valuable assets for your business in China. This typically includes key trademarks, Chinese names, important product designs, and necessary patent protections. The order of these priorities will depend on your product, what information may be shared, and when you plan to launch.

You don’t need to protect everything at once. Start with the IP that matters most to your business now. As your products, supplier relationships and market plans develop, you can add protection where needed and keep an eye on filing deadlines. This helps you decide what to fund now and what can wait.

It covers the ongoing coordination of your China IP matters, from new filings and prosecution to monitoring, renewals, recordals and contentious matters. We keep track of case status, official communications and deadlines, and help organize priorities as your portfolio develops.

We provide a structured view of your China IP portfolio, together with the information and recommendations needed to manage it effectively. Depending on the agreed scope, this may include existing rights and pending matters, China-specific protection strategies, priority actions, deadlines and recommendations for further action. We also organize case updates and official communications, so your teams can see what needs attention and what comes next.