CNIPA's answers on goods and similarity groups
Replies CNIPA published from 2019 to 2022 to questions about goods, services and similarity groups, translated by Ginbing. Each reply links to its Chinese original on CNIPA's website.
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About these replies
- Official source
- Trademark registration questions, the public column where CNIPA answers trademark questions. Each reply links to its official page.
- Issued by
- CNIPA
- CNIPA's dates
- Each reply shows the date CNIPA answered. All of them date from 2019 to 2022.
- Checked against the official page
- November 6, 2026
Does examination follow the Nice classification notes or the Similar Goods and Services Table?
The Similar Goods and Services Table compiled by the Trademark Office governs.
Are earlier editions of the Nice classification considered?
A new application is examined under current examination standards, with reference to the latest edition of the similar goods and services table.
Is similarity judged by similarity group or by the specific item code?
Both are considered.
A table note links cereal-based snacks to groups 3006 and 3010: how far does it reach?
All goods in 3006 and in 3010 are each treated as similar to cereal-based snacks.
Can others register the identical mark in other classes?
Where someone else applies to register a completely identical image for goods or services that are not cross-searched, there is generally no conflict. For cross-searching of goods, see the latest Similar Goods and Services Table.
I registered some items in a similarity group: can others register the rest?
Check the goods and services table. If it specially notes that goods in the group are not similar to each other, you are not affected. If there is no special note, they must be cross-searched.
The table later added an item to my group: does my older registration cover it?
Under Article 56 of the Trademark Law, the exclusive right in a registered trademark is limited to the registered mark and the approved goods. To add to it, a new registration application must be filed.
An item on my registration was later dropped from the table: can I still use the mark on it?
It can be used within the term of the exclusive right.
A mark registered in an old class keeps being renewed: can it move to the current class?
The class at registration governs and cannot be changed.
Does a revision of the Nice table affect registered marks or renewal?
It has no effect. Nothing else is required; simply file the renewal application.
An item I need is not in the classification book: can I file it?
In that case you can attach a product description to the filing, but the goods or services declared must be accurate and specific.
One non-standard item among several is not acceptable: what happens to the application?
After filing, the application goes through formal examination. If the non-standard item is not acceptable, a correction notice is issued, and the applicant responds as required.
How do I drop a non-standard item named in a correction notice?
Correct as the correction notice requires. If you do not wish to keep the non-standard item, simply state in your response that it is deleted.
Wrong goods were selected: can they be replaced once the application is accepted?
Once the application has been accepted, it cannot be changed. You may want to file a new application.
An application named bicycles but wrongly entered Class 7: is it not accepted, or is a correction notice issued?
A correction notice will be issued, and the class can be changed to Class 12.
Does "plastic running tracks" mean the finished track, and are its raw materials protected?
Yes, the item means the finished track. It does not include raw materials, which are not protected.
Must I also register in Class 35 as well as my own class?
Apply if you need it, and not if you do not, because the exclusive right in a registered trademark is limited to the registered mark and the approved goods.
Can a mark contain a generic trade word, and can the owner stop others using that word?
1. Yes. 2. No.
Questions? Open Support.