# CNIPA's answers on goods and similarity groups

CNIPA's published replies from 2019 to 2022 on the similarity table, what a registration covers, items added to or dropped from the table, non-standard items, and Class 35.

Canonical URL: https://ginbing.com/docs/china-trademark/cnipa-answers-goods-and-similarity
Markdown URL: https://ginbing.com/docs/china-trademark/cnipa-answers-goods-and-similarity/index.md

## TLDR

CNIPA's published replies from 2019 to 2022 on the Similar Goods and Services Table, what a registration covers, items added to or dropped from the table, non-standard items, and whether Class 35 is needed.

## Guide

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.

## About these replies

- **Official source.** [Trademark registration questions](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpublist.do?sysid=13), 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

> These are replies to individual questions. They are not rulings, and CNIPA decides each case on its own facts. The translations are Ginbing's own, not official, and Ginbing is not part of CNIPA. Only the Chinese text is official. Each heading is Ginbing's short summary of the point the reply answers; the asker's own words, which may cover other points, are on the official page. Greetings and contact details are left out, and long replies are shortened to the parts that answer the question.

> **Warning:** These replies are older than those on CNIPA's other answer pages, and each states the position on its date. Where a [later reply](/docs/china-trademark/cnipa-answers-classes) or CNIPA's current guide differs, rely on the later source. They were written under the 2019 Trademark Law, and the [revised law](/docs/china-trademark/laws/trademark-law/2026) takes effect on January 1, 2027, with [some changed rules and article numbers](/docs/china-trademark/2027-trademark-law-changes). Fees and procedures can also change. Check the current rule before relying on one of these replies.

## 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.
>
> [CNIPA reply of January 14, 2020](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=49577), translated by Ginbing

## 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.
>
> [CNIPA reply of February 18, 2022](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=385315), translated by Ginbing

## Is similarity judged by similarity group or by the specific item code?

> Both are considered.
>
> [CNIPA reply of December 17, 2019](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=47715), translated by Ginbing

## Different items share one code: does choosing that code register them all?

> 1. You need not fill in the code. The code relates to examination, and the applicant simply selects the Chinese item. 2. No.
>
> [CNIPA reply of March 31, 2020](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=53437), translated by Ginbing

## 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.
>
> [CNIPA reply of April 11, 2022](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=389825), translated by Ginbing

## 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.
>
> [CNIPA reply of January 25, 2019](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=23758), translated by Ginbing

## 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.
>
> [CNIPA reply of February 26, 2019](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=22753), translated by Ginbing

## 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.
>
> [CNIPA reply of September 24, 2020](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=335998), translated by Ginbing

## 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.
>
> [CNIPA reply of September 8, 2020](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=334683), translated by Ginbing

## 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.
>
> [CNIPA reply of September 26, 2020](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=336117), translated by Ginbing

## 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.
>
> [CNIPA reply of March 12, 2020](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=51914), translated by Ginbing

## 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.
>
> [CNIPA reply of January 21, 2019](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=23533), translated by Ginbing

## 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.
>
> [CNIPA reply of May 27, 2022](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=394992), translated by Ginbing

## 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.
>
> [CNIPA reply of January 7, 2020](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=49095), translated by Ginbing

## 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.
>
> [CNIPA reply of September 7, 2020](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=334569), translated by Ginbing

## 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.
>
> [CNIPA reply of August 19, 2020](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=333139), translated by Ginbing

## 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.
>
> [CNIPA reply of May 24, 2019](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=29414), translated by Ginbing

## 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.
>
> [CNIPA reply of April 1, 2021](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=350165), translated by Ginbing

## Can a mark contain a generic trade word, and can the owner stop others using that word?

> 1. Yes. 2. No.
>
> [CNIPA reply of June 15, 2019](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=37383), translated by Ginbing

## Related pages

- [CNIPA's answers on classes](/docs/china-trademark/cnipa-answers-classes)
- [Which class for your product](/docs/china-trademark/which-class-for-your-product)
- [China trademark classes](/docs/china-trademark/classes)