# CNIPA's answers on marks and how to use them

CNIPA's published replies on using a registered mark in another font or case, splitting a combined mark, TM and the registration symbol, color marks and portraits.

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

## TLDR

CNIPA's published replies on fonts, case, combined marks, TM and the registration symbol, color marks, portraits, and marks with the same words.

## Guide

Replies CNIPA published to questions about what a mark may look like and how it may be used, 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.
- **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. The questions are Ginbing's short summaries; the asker's own words 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:** Each reply states the position on its date. Most cite 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 an older reply.

## Can parts of a registered word-and-graphic mark be used separately?

> Under Article 56 of the Trademark Law, the exclusive right to use a registered trademark is limited to the trademark approved for registration and the approved goods. If you need to use them separately, it is recommended that you apply for them separately.
>
> [CNIPA reply of August 28, 2019](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=40561), translated by Ginbing

## How is a company named as applicant, and can mark elements be filed separately?

> 1. When applying for trademark registration in a company's name, enter the company's full name as the applicant;

> 2. In this situation, separate trademark registration applications may be submitted. The trademark image may be words, a graphic, or a combination of graphic and words.
>
> [CNIPA reply of December 8, 2023](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=449571), translated by Ginbing

## If a word mark's font changes in use, is a new application needed?

> The exclusive right to use a registered trademark is limited to the trademark approved for registration and the approved goods. Where the sign of a registered trademark needs to be changed, a new registration application shall be filed.
>
> [CNIPA reply of July 3, 2026](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=538255), translated by Ginbing

## Does changing a registered word mark's font or letter case need a new registration?

> Under Article 56 of the Trademark Law, the exclusive right to use a registered trademark is limited to the trademark approved for registration and the approved goods.

> Article 24: Where the sign of a registered trademark needs to be changed, a new registration application shall be filed.
>
> [CNIPA reply of June 7, 2024](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=464237), translated by Ginbing

## Can a mark registered in simplified characters be used in traditional characters?

> A registered trademark may not be altered. Under Article 56 of the Trademark Law, the exclusive right to use a registered trademark is limited to the trademark approved for registration and the approved goods.
>
> [CNIPA reply of December 19, 2024](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=483126), translated by Ginbing

## Does changing a trademark's color require a new registration application?

> Under Article 24 of the Trademark Law, where the sign of a registered trademark needs to be changed, a new registration application shall be filed.
>
> [CNIPA reply of August 28, 2026](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=543813), translated by Ginbing

## Can an applicant's own earlier registration be cited against its new similar application?

> Each trademark right is independent. A new application shall be examined under the current examination standards, and the examination of a new application will not cite the same applicant's earlier registered trademark.
>
> [CNIPA reply of June 2, 2026](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=535044), translated by Ginbing

## Can one entity register the same word mark in different fonts?

> Trademarks applied for by the same applicant (the same entity) are not judged similar and will not be affected by the earlier trademark. One entity may register trademarks in multiple fonts.
>
> [CNIPA reply of August 4, 2025](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=500839), translated by Ginbing

## Whose application proceeds when applicants file identical or similar marks on identical or similar goods?

> Under Article 31 of the Trademark Law, where two or more trademark registration applicants apply to register identical or similar trademarks on the same or similar goods, the trademark applied for first shall receive preliminary approval and be announced; where the applications are filed on the same day, the trademark used first shall receive preliminary approval and be announced, and the applications of the others shall be refused and not announced.
>
> [CNIPA reply of February 27, 2023](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=422160), translated by Ginbing

## What do the TM and ® symbols mean in China?

> TM is the abbreviation of the English word "trademark" and is not a statutory registration symbol. ® is the statutory symbol of a registered trademark. As long as ® is marked on a trademark, this indicates that the trademark has been approved for registration by the Trademark Office and is a registered trademark.
>
> [CNIPA reply of June 26, 2026](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=537545), translated by Ginbing

## Where must the registration symbol be placed on a registered trademark?

> Article 63 of the Implementing Regulations of the Trademark Law of the People's Republic of China: When using a registered trademark, the words "registered trademark" or a registration symbol may be marked on the goods, the goods packaging, the instructions or other attached items. Registration symbols include ㊟ and ®. A registration symbol shall be placed at the upper right or lower right corner of the trademark. For inquiries about the specific use of a trademark, please consult the market regulation authority.
>
> [CNIPA reply of December 17, 2025](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=518518), translated by Ginbing

## Can a trademark still under application be used on product packaging?

> Under Article 56 of the Trademark Law, the exclusive right to use a registered trademark is limited to the trademark approved for registration and the approved goods. It is recommended that the trademark be used after it has been successfully registered.
>
> [CNIPA reply of May 19, 2023](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=431288), translated by Ginbing

## Does a color trademark application also need a black-and-white image?

> Registering a color trademark does not require uploading a black-and-white image.
>
> [CNIPA reply of December 30, 2025](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=519666), translated by Ginbing

## What is a color combination mark, and does a colored logo tick that box?

> A color combination mark is a trademark consisting of two or more colors. An application to register a color combination shall declare this in the application form, that is, tick "Apply for trademark registration as a color combination" in the "Trademark application declaration" field, and paste a colored image in the trademark image box.

> A trademark with designated colors is one whose trademark image consists of colored words, graphics or a combination of them. When applying, do not tick "Apply for trademark registration as a color combination"; simply paste a colored image in the trademark image box.

> When applying to register a color combination, in addition to the declaration required in the application form, note the following:

> (1) The constituent elements of a color combination mark are two or more colors. In an application to register a color combination, the trademark image shall be color blocks showing how the colors are combined, or a graphic outline showing where the colors are used. That graphic outline is not a constituent element of the trademark and must be shown in dotted lines, not solid lines.

> (2) An application to register a color combination shall include a written description, state the color codes and explain how the trademark is used. The written description, color codes and manner of use shall be entered in the "Trademark description" field.
>
> [CNIPA reply of June 5, 2026](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=535275), translated by Ginbing

## How are the power of attorney, name and description completed for a mixed-language mark?

> 1. The power of attorney must be consistent with the trademark sign.

> 2. Where a trademark contains Chinese characters and English letters, enter the main part of the wording as the trademark name; examination is based on the trademark image actually uploaded. Where a trademark is in or contains a foreign language, its meaning shall be explained in the trademark description.
>
> [CNIPA reply of January 7, 2025](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=484484), translated by Ginbing

## What authorization does a mark containing a portrait need, including the applicant's own?

> Where a trademark image contains a person's portrait, an authorization statement from the portrait right holder must be provided, together with a copy of the holder's identity card signed by the holder.

> Where a natural person applies to register a trademark using their own portrait, this must be explained, and no authorization statement needs to be submitted.
>
> [CNIPA reply of March 27, 2024](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=457355), translated by Ginbing

## What must be filed to register a person's name or portrait with authorization?

> It is sufficient to submit the authorizer's name and portrait authorization (the front and back of the authorizer's identity card and the authorization statement must be put on one page, signed by the authorizer) with the registration application.
>
> [CNIPA reply of March 18, 2025](https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/jact/front/mailpubdetail.do?sysid=13&transactId=489339), translated by Ginbing

## Related pages

- [First-to-file in China](/docs/china-trademark/first-to-file)
- [CNIPA: Application FAQ](/docs/china-trademark/cnipa-guide-application-faq)
- [Laws and regulations](/docs/china-trademark/laws)