China slashes IP application fees

This spring, reduced filing fees finally came to China. The National Development and Reform Commission and Ministry of Finance jointly issued a notice to reduce fees for certain IP registrations.

Please find a breakdown below of fees effective April 1, 2017:

• A trademark application now costs RMB 300 ($44) per class and applying to renew a registration will cost RMB 1,000 ($145).
• An appeal procedure before the Trademark review board will cost RMB 750 ($108), while an opposition filing will cost RMB 500 ($72).
• An application for change of name and owner address now costs RMB 250 ($36).

The reduction in administrative fees will be beneficial for companies active in China, especially for small businesses and start-ups. With these reduced fees, it might be important to review your Chinese trademark portfolio and to file additional applications where necessary.

For a complete list of fees, please click here and get in contact with your nearest RWS office with any questions.