Category: Legal & Taxes

How to Register a Trademark in China: The Ultimate Guide

Posted on by Editorial Team — 27 Comments

Suggestion: Watch the 10 minutes video tutorial before reading this article

Click here to get a free trademark quotation

Many are unaware that China is a so-called first-to-file country which means that the person who registers your trademark first will get all the rights to distribute and sell the products.

Registering your trademark should be at the top of your to-do list as you might not even be able to sell the products in China if issues occur. There’s limited information regarding trademark registrations online, including the fees, how you can go about registering your trademark, the process, and more.

Therefore, I have written this article where I explain the details you need to know.

Topics covered:

  • The Importance of Registering a Trademark in China
  • The Process when Registering a Trademark in China
  • How long does it take?
  • How much does it cost to register a trademark in China?
  • Can foreign companies register trademarks in China?
  • How should I name my Chinese trademark?
  • Are Hong Kong trademarks valid in Mainland China?
  • Are US or EU trademarks valid in China?
  • Trademark Classes in China
  • How can I search for trademarks in China?

The Importance of Registering a Trademark in China

Applying for a trademark is a crucial and important step that’s often ignored or overlooked by exporters.

As mentioned, China is a “first-to-file” country which means that the person who registers a trademark for a product, will also have all exclusive rights to distribute and sell the product.

You won’t unless you register the trademark first.

(USA & EU)

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  • Logistics & fulfillment options
  • Payment gateways
  • Incorporation & trademarks

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eCommerce Sites and Distributors Require Trademark Registrations

Continue reading How to Register a Trademark in China: The Ultimate Guide

HS Codes & Import Duty Rates in China: The Ultimate Guide

Posted on by Editorial Team — 2 Comments

Suggestion: Watch the 10 minutes video tutorial before reading this article

Exporting to China requires thorough planning and that you manage product testing, labeling, preparation of documents needed well in advance before you ship your goods.

What many exporters know little about is how so-called HS codes are used and treated in China.

HS codes are used internationally for a number of important reasons and you won’t be able to clear the customs without them. Thus, HD codes are not only important in China but globally.

In this article, I explain all the crucial information you need to know about HS codes and the import duties used for different HS codes in China.

Topics covered:

  • What are HS codes?
  • How many digits are used in HS codes?
  • Why do I need HS codes when exporting to China?
  • When do I need to inform about my HS codes?
  • How can I find the HS codes used for my products?
  • What happens if I use the wrong HS codes?
  • Import duty by HS codes

Continue reading HS Codes & Import Duty Rates in China: The Ultimate Guide

China Free Trade Zones: A Complete Guide

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china-free-trade-zones

Since the introduction of the first Free Trade Zone in Shanghai, the Chinese government has added a dozen more and has plans to further expand and create new zones.

It’s an important brick of the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative, where China plans to develop infrastructure and invest in many countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe.

In this article, I explain everything you need to know about Free Trade Zones in China, what benefits these bring, why they were created in the first place, and more.

Definition of a Free Trade Zone

Before we start, you must have a general understanding of what an FTZ is, and what benefits these zones bring.

In short words, FTZs are designated areas where foreign companies can engage in economic activities that are generally not accepted elsewhere in the country.

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Registering a Trademark in the Philippines: The Ultimate Guide

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philippines-trademark

Click here to get a free trademark quotation

The Philippines is one of the fastest growing countries in Asia and foreign companies do their utmost to take advantage of its English speaking talent pool.

At the same time, the middle class grows fast and the demand for imported products just continues to increase. More and more companies now see the Philippines as a lucrative market for offline and online sales.

Naturally, we see a stronger demand for trademark registrations in the Philippines. As we both know, entering a foreign market without necessary protection can be risky and costly.

Therefore, I decided to write this article where I explain how you can register a trademark in the Philippines.

Topics covered in this article:

How do I register a trademark in the Philippines?

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) manages all the applications and registrations of trademarks.

The process is straightforward and locals can register trademarks directly with the IPO. Foreigners, on the other hand, need work with a local agent to manage the registrations. With a local agent, I mean a company that has an office in the Philippines.

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How to Register a Trademark in Australia: The Ultimate Guide

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register-trademark-australia

Click here to get a free trademark quotation

Australia is becoming a bigger import and export market for Western and Asian countries alike. As late as 2015, Australia signed a free trade agreement (ChAFTA) with China, and in 2019, import duties for wine was reduced to 0.

Yet, before you start doing business in Australia, it’s important that you understand whether you need a trademark certification. This is particularly true for exports of retail products, food & beverages, and more.

Therefore, I’ve written this article where I explain how it works when registering a trademark in Australia, how much it costs, the process, when you need to renew the trademark, and more. Let’s have a look. Continue reading How to Register a Trademark in Australia: The Ultimate Guide

Import Taxes & VAT in China: A Guide for Cross Border E-Commerce

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import-taxes-vat-china

The Chinese government has finally confirmed what we’ve long waited for: there won’t be an introduction of the so called positive lists. Or any other constraints to cross border E-Commerce for that matter.

Instead, China will continue to favor the cross border sales model by reducing taxes, streamline clearance procedures, and expand cross border operations to a number of other Chinese cities.

Along with this, we’ve also seen a reduction in import taxes, which should be of interest of course.

In this article, I explain how China’s new tax policies affect cross border sellers and how much you can expect to pay if falling into this category.

Definition of cross border E-Commerce

First, let’s have a look at what cross border E-Commerce means practically and in terms of shipping. It’s important for you to understand this before we dig into numbers.

In short words, you list your products on an E-Commerce platform, like Tmall Global or JD Worldwide, or a standalone website. Chinese consumers order products in small volumes, often one by one.

The products are either shipped from overseas or stored in a bonded warehouse in China.

Simple as that.

Yet, a core part of the cross border model is that the platforms are connected with the Chinese customs. This is needed for orders to be registered and tracked digitally.

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How to Register a Trademark in Malaysia: The Ultimate Guide

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Malaysia-trademark

Click here to get a free trademark quotation

Many overseas companies have seen the opportunities exporting to Mainland China, which of course brings up questions related to trademarks.

You should be cautious before engaging in business outside the borders, as some countries are referred to as “first-to-file” countries. This means that you won’t have any authority, in case someone else register your trademark before you in that country.

The E-Commerce market is expected to grow much in Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia, the coming decade. Before selling into Malaysia, I highly recommend you to register your trademark.

Therefore, I’ve written this guide where I include the key info you need to know when registering a trademark in Malaysia.

Malaysia trademark law

Malaysia is a member of a number of international conventions, as well as having its own national laws.

Continue reading How to Register a Trademark in Malaysia: The Ultimate Guide

How to Register a Trademark in Hong Kong: The Ultimate Guide

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Hong-Kong-trademark

Click here to get a free trademark quotation

Hong Kong is a big playground for traders and many decide to open up companies in this crown jewel. Low taxes, proximity to Mainland China and efficiency are just a few reasons why people incorporate here.

If you decide to sell products, or open a company in Hong Kong, I highly recommend that you register your trademark. The process will not take a long time, nor cost you a lot of money.

Therefore, I’ve written this guide where I explain the crucial information you need to know when registering a trademark in Hong Kong. Let’s have a look.

Hong Kong trademark law

Hong Kong has two different trademark laws, also referred to as ordinances:

  • Trade Marks Ordinance (Cap. 559)
  • Trade Marks Rules (Cap. 559A)

Both of these are effective as of April 4th, 2004.

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How to Register a Trademark in Singapore: A Complete Guide

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Singapore-trademark

Click here to get a free trademark quotation

Many exporters talk about the benefits of selling via cross border e-commerce to Chinese market. When I talk with companies who want to import to China, I often recommend them to have a look at other options.

It’s not easy nor cheap to enter the Chinese market, and E-commerce is growing strong elsewhere. Even if the competition can be more fierce in countries like Singapore, it can be worth to give it a try.

Before you start selling overseas, it’s important that you register your trademark. Therefore, I’ve written this guide that explains all the crucial information you need to know when registering a trademark in Singapore.

Singapore trademark law

In 1998, Singapore’s government passed the Singapore Trade Marks Act, to meet the Paris Convention. It’s a member of many other international conventions, such as:

  • Madrid Protocol
  • Nice Agreement
  • Patent Cooperation Treaty
  • WIPO Copyright Treaty

Singapore classifies products and services in accordance with the Nice Classification, sometimes referred to as the International Classification of Goods and Services (ICGS).

More than 150 countries, even including Mainland China, are members of the Nice Classification. This is a great benefit as countries can cooperate cross border, and support each other in case of any IP conflicts.

Continue reading How to Register a Trademark in Singapore: A Complete Guide

Products Affected by China’s Reduced Import Tariffs in 2017

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Suggestion: Watch the 10 minutes video tutorial before reading this article

The news is out that China has cut the import duty for nearly 200 products.

Fortunately, the new regulations apply to many products that are exported by SME’s in the US and Europe, but also other countries.

The import tariffs have been reduced greatly, proving that the Chinese government tries its utmost to increase imports. Some outspoken reasons are:

a. That China has received much pressure from other countries, like the US, due to unfavorable trade balances

b. The government wants to put pressure on local producers to improve quality

c. Most importantly: China simply needs more foreign products!

In this article, I list all the products affected by the new regulations (including correct translation), what HS codes that are affected, how much the import duties have been reduced and more.

(USA & EU)

Free Webinar: How to Sell Online To China & Southeast Asia

  • Selling on Tmall & Lazada
  • Logistics & fulfillment options
  • Payment gateways
  • Incorporation & trademarks

GET YOUR SPOT HERE

What products will be subject to lower import duties?

Continue reading Products Affected by China’s Reduced Import Tariffs in 2017