Rules On Suspension Of CNIPA Trademark Proceedings

Recently the China National Intellectual Property Administration ("CNIPA") released Interpretation of Rules on Suspension of CNIPA Trademark Proceedings ("Suspension Rules"). The Suspension Rules provides clear guidance on the circumstances under which a CNIPA trademark proceeding shall be or may be suspended.

The Suspension Rules make it clear that a CNIPA trademark proceeding shall be suspended under any one of the following seven circumstances:

1. The disputed trademark or the cited trademarks are in the process of change of registrant's name or assignment, and there will be no conflict of rights between the disputed trademark and the cited trademarks after the change of registrant's name or assignment is completed;