If you already hold a trademark at home, you may be able to reach China through the Madrid Protocol instead of filing fresh with the CNIPA. Both routes give you a China registration — but they differ in eligibility, cost, control and timing. Here's the full picture.
The Madrid System (administered by WIPO) lets you extend an existing "base" trademark to multiple member countries — including China — through one application in one language, with one set of fees. China has been a member since 1995. A successful designation results in a China registration that is substantively equivalent to a direct filing.
You can only use Madrid if you have a base mark — a registered (or pending) trademark in a Madrid member country where you are a national, resident, or have a real commercial establishment. If you are a US, EU, UK or other member-country brand with a home registration, you likely qualify. If you have no home mark yet, you must file directly with the CNIPA first.
| Direct CNIPA filing | Madrid extension to China | |
|---|---|---|
| Needs a home registration? | No — file the mark directly | Yes — needs a base mark first |
| Best when | You're new, or only want China | You're extending a portfolio to many countries |
| Language & filings | One China filing; we handle English→Chinese | One WIPO filing covers several states |
| Control / changes | Independent China registration | Tied to the base mark (central attack risk) |
| Timeline to registration | Typically 7–9 months | Often 12–18 months (WIPO + CNIPA) |
| Later changes (owner, address) | Handled per China file | Usually made through WIPO centrally |
Both routes include CNIPA official fees. With direct filing our flat $299/class covers the official fee and service. With Madrid you pay WIPO fees plus the CNIPA designation fee; the per-class economics depend on how many countries you designate — Madrid is usually cheaper only when you cover several countries at once. We'll compare both in writing for your case.
Choose direct CNIPA filing if China is your priority market, you have no existing home registration, or you want a self-contained China right that isn't exposed to a foreign base mark.
Choose Madrid if you're already extending a portfolio to many countries at once and can accept the longer timeline and the base-mark linkage.
Before committing budget, run a free availability search of the CNIPA register. A conflicting mark filed earlier in China can block either route — Madrid does not bypass China's first-to-file rule.
Tell us your home registration status and target markets. We'll advise direct vs Madrid — and run a free China search.
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