Rule #1 about Trademarks

Rule #1: Register your logo even if you don’t plan to sell in China.

Even before my clients start to source from China, I always advise them to first register their trademark ASAP.  China has a “first-to file” system that requires no evidence of prior use or ownership, leaving registration of popular foreign marks open to third parties.  That means if you don’t register your trademark in China, someone else (like your supplier!) will do it and you are not allowed to use the IP again, unless you buy them back.

Written for CSIC by Sophie Mao

China based lawyer at www.AsiaBridgeLaw.com