China Shifts Trademark Notice Delivery to Direct Proprietors

Summary

China's National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has revised trademark notice delivery procedures, sending official notices directly to trademark proprietors instead of their agents, effective October 27, 2025. This change impacts mainland Chinese proprietors and their domestic agents, requiring updated contact information to ensure timely communication. Foreign proprietors may still rely on their China-based agents for notices. The shift could delay responses or lead to missed deadlines if contact details are not current. Legal experts recommend verifying and updating contact information to avoid disruptions in trademark processes. CNIPA has not yet clarified key details, such as the applicability to TRAD-related notices or agent selection guidelines for multinational companies. Brand owners should prepare for potential challenges during this transition period.

The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has revised its procedures for delivering official notices in trademark cancellation, opposition, and invalidation cases. Beginning October 27, 2025, CNIPA will no longer send copies of official notices to trademark agencies. Instead, notices will be sent directly to the trademark proprietor at their registered address.

This adjustment primarily impacts trademark proprietors based in mainland China and their domestic representatives. Foreign proprietors and their China-based agents will continue to receive notices as previously established.

The revised rules require trademark proprietors to maintain accurate and current contact information. For those located in mainland China, the shift to direct delivery may complicate communication with their agents. Agents may no longer receive copies of official notices, which could result in delayed responses or missed deadlines.

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For foreign proprietors managing a broad range of trademarks, consolidating all pending and registered trademarks with a single China-based agent is recommended. This ensures that communications from CNIPA are received promptly and that responses to official actions are both timely and effective.

CNIPA has not yet provided formal clarification on several key points. These include whether the changes apply to notices related to evidence exchanges in TRAD matters, whether domestic filers can provide contact addresses for their agents, and whether guidance will be issued on selecting preferred agents for multinational companies with complex trademark portfolios.

In the absence of clear guidance, trademark filers - both domestic and foreign - should take proactive steps to understanding the trademark registration process in the U.S. and verify and update their contact details with CNIPA. Maintaining accurate contact information is essential during this transition to prevent potential disruptions in the trademark process.

Monitoring trademarks has become more critical than ever, particularly as procedural changes can affect how and when key information is received. A service like IP Defender helps businesses safeguard their intellectual property by monitoring national trademark databases for conflicts and infringements. With IP Defender, you can stay ahead of potential issues and ensure your brand remains secure in a rapidly evolving legal environment.