Chinese Administrative Criteria For Trademark Enforcement

In China, trademarks can be enforced through courts or lawsuits like in other countries. However, China is stronger in terms of administrative enforcement of trademarks, particularly through the Administrations for Market Regulation (AMR, formerly the AIC/Administration for Industry & Commerce). The China National IP Administration (CNIPA), a subordinate organ of State AMR (SAMR), released on June 15, 2020 its own Administrative Criteria for Trademark Enforcement (hereinafter referred to as "the Criteria").

In this article, we hope to summarize the highlights of the Criteria as follows to assist the relevant parties in understanding and better benefiting from the Chinese market.