By Shuyu Wang
China will increase its efficiency in reviewing trademark applications by the end of this year, an official with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) said on July 29.
The current review period for trademark applications in China has been reduced to 4 months 11 days on average, which is at the global forefront, and it will be further shortened to less than 4 months. The announcement was made by Shoudong Cui, head of the Administration, at the launch of an annual national campaign to publicize the reform of trademark registrations.
According to Cui, the Administration has reviewed over 1,500 trademark applications related to COVID-19 since the outbreak of the pandemic, and has helped finance over 21 billion yuan (about 3 billion U.S. dollars) for enterprises.
Other than the attempt in increasing trademark applications review efficiency, the Administration contemplates setting the review period for trademark oppositions one month earlier than statutory limitation, and further shortening the review period for trademark rejections. It will also launch online services for trademark oppositions and invalidations this year, said Cui.
