The National Intellectual Property Administration, PRC (CNIPA) has, starting from July 1, 2019, implemented a fee reduction plan on filing of trademark-related applications/requests. Among which, the official fee for renewal of a trademark registration has reduced the most, receiving a 50 percent (50%)markdown. In addition, the official fees for non-electronic filing of name, address and attorney change recordals are at a markdown of 40 percent (40%), whereas official fee is entirely waived for electronic filing of the above-identified recordation of changes.
Although the option of e-filing is currently not available to a filing of trademark opposition, cancellation or appeal, most other sorts of trademark-related applications/requests can be filed online with the e-filing official fee at a markdown of 10 percent (10%).
In comparison with paper application, not only is the official fee for e-filing cheaper, but the requisite documents can be submitted in electronic format instead of original copies, as part of CNIPA’s initiatives to streamline the application process.