China Accelerates Trademark Registration Application Process

In July 2025, China's National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) promulgated the "Measures for the Expedited Examination of Trademark Registration Applications", which stipulate that trademark registration applications involving national interests, social public interests or major regional development strategies can apply for accelerated examination.

This measure applies to the following situations:

• Applications related to strategic emerging industries (such as commercial aerospace) and future industries (such as biomanufacturing) that urgently need trademark rights to promote their development
• Applications involving logos of important cultural heritage related to major national or provincial projects/engineering/scientific and technological infrastructure/events/exhibitions, and requiring urgent trademark protection
• Trademark applications related to the modern industrial system promoted by the provincial government or the industrial chain arranged around the development of new productivity
• Applications directly related to public events during response to particularly serious natural disasters/accidental disasters/public health emergencies/social security incidents
• In order to serve high-quality economic and social development, promote the implementation of the Outline for Building a Strong Intellectual Property Nation, or other situations that have important practical significance in safeguarding national interests, public interests or major regional development strategies.

The development of the Measures presents opportunities for many businesses, particularly in rapidly developing emerging industries. Rapid trademark protection will help accelerate market entry for technologies and products, a crucial step in the highly competitive business environment. For businesses and organizations participating in major national or provincial projects, this expedited review process will significantly lower intellectual property barriers and ensure competitiveness in both international and domestic markets.

Furthermore, this policy reflects the country's emphasis on the critical role of intellectual property in responding to emergencies and promoting social progress. For businesses in Beijing and nationwide, strengthening trademark protection awareness and application strategies can effectively enhance their market influence and brand value.

We believe that as the country deepens its strategic layout of intellectual property rights, enterprises will gain more market opportunities and legal protection with the support of an accelerated review mechanism.