China promotes easier trademark registration

The State Administration for Industry and Commerce issued a notice on July 25 to promote the reform of trademark registrations nationwide. 

In the first half of 2016, the number of trademark applications reached 1.74 million, up 32.3 percent from the same period of 2015.
Convenience being the key to reform, application channels will be expanded. Pilot zones have been set up in places such as Ya’an, Sichuan province, and Taizhou, Zhejiang province, this year, and more places will start the reform testing. 

Starting this year, trademark review collaboration centers will be set up in pilot areas. From 2017, applicants can apply through the Internet or go to local trademark registration centers. 

The reform will simplify and optimize related registration procedures. The notice will be released within three months, shortened from six months. The required documents will also be simplified. 

The reform will also improve the review process and efficiency. Review collaboration centers will be responsible for over 70 percent of the reviews. Moreover, the reform will enhance trademark credit supervision through information technologies such as big data and cloud computing. Illegal actions will be published and punishment will be increased.