Plain-language reference
Use this A–Z reference to understand the terms you meet while searching, choosing goods and services, planning a filing route or reviewing a China trademark matter. Definitions provide general orientation and never replace case-specific professional advice.
Showing 59 of 59 terms
Distinctiveness developed through use, promotion and consumer recognition. Availability and evidentiary requirements differ by jurisdiction.
Why it matters
It helps keep the evidence, responsibility and next action precise.
China context
Do not assume use evidence automatically cures every distinctiveness issue in China.
The person or legal entity that files the trademark application. The applicant should match the intended owner and must provide the information required by the relevant office.
Why it matters
It helps keep the evidence, responsibility and next action precise.
China context
Foreign applicants may need to act through an eligible China trademark agency under the applicable rules.
A transfer of ownership of an application or registration from one party to another, usually requiring documentation and recordal.
Why it matters
It helps identify the relevant procedural stage instead of mixing it with ordinary filing preparation.
China context
Assignment is different from a licence and may require separate filings and review.
The national or regional application or registration on which a Madrid international application is based.
Why it matters
It helps compare routes, scope and requirements without assuming that one option fits every case.
China context
The basic mark creates an important dependency that should be understood before choosing Madrid.
A public trademark record returned because it may be relevant to the search criteria. It is a lead for review, not a final conflict finding.
Why it matters
It helps separate public-record evidence from a case-specific professional conclusion.
China context
Candidate records should be checked for status, owner, dates, class and goods/services.
A common informal expression for China's Similar Group structure inside a Nice class. It is useful shorthand, but the official analysis should use the current classification table and accepted items.
Why it matters
It helps connect real business activity to specific goods and services without relying on a class number alone.
China context
A filing in one part of a class may not cover every commercially relevant group in the same class.
A short description of the general subject matter of a Nice class. It is not automatically a complete list of every protected item in that class.
Why it matters
It helps connect real business activity to specific goods and services without relying on a class number alone.
China context
Applicants should not rely on the class heading alone when choosing China goods/services.
A structured review intended to identify legal and practical obstacles before filing or use. Its depth can range from a preliminary check to a detailed professional report.
Why it matters
It helps separate public-record evidence from a case-specific professional conclusion.
China context
Trademarkora's public Search and Free Preliminary Professional Check have narrower stated scopes than a comprehensive legal search.
A filing that combines words and graphic elements in one mark. Changes to either element can affect comparison and practical scope.
Why it matters
It helps keep each sign and brand format distinct when planning searches and protection.
China context
A combined filing may be less flexible than separate word and logo filings when the brand presentation changes.
A sign that may mislead the public about matters such as the nature, quality or origin of the goods or services. The exact legal test varies by jurisdiction.
Why it matters
It helps keep the evidence, responsibility and next action precise.
China context
A public Search result cannot resolve this issue by record matching alone.
A sign that directly describes a characteristic, quality, purpose or feature of the relevant goods or services. Descriptive wording may face refusal or narrower protection.
Why it matters
It helps keep the evidence, responsibility and next action precise.
China context
The assessment is made in relation to the filed goods/services and the perception of the relevant public.
The selection of a Madrid System member in which protection is requested. Additional members may be designated later when the conditions are met.
Why it matters
It helps compare routes, scope and requirements without assuming that one option fits every case.
China context
A China designation is still subject to China examination and procedural requirements.
The ability of a sign to identify one commercial source rather than merely describe the goods or services. Stronger distinctiveness generally improves the mark's trademark function.
Why it matters
It helps keep the evidence, responsibility and next action precise.
China context
Distinctiveness is a legal and factual assessment, not a percentage produced by the public Search tool.
A mark that may receive enhanced protection because of a legally recognised level of reputation. “Famous” is not a casual marketing label and is determined under the applicable law.
Why it matters
It helps separate public-record evidence from a case-specific professional conclusion.
China context
A public website should not automatically declare a mark famous or infer bad faith from reputation signals.
The official date assigned to a trademark application when filing requirements are met. It can be important when comparing competing applications and priority claims.
Why it matters
It helps compare routes, scope and requirements without assuming that one option fits every case.
China context
China generally follows a first-to-file structure, subject to applicable legal rules and exceptions.
A system in which filing priority plays a central role in determining who obtains registered rights, subject to the applicable law and exceptions.
Why it matters
It helps compare routes, scope and requirements without assuming that one option fits every case.
China context
China is commonly described as first-to-file, which is why early filing and correct scope planning matter.
Trademarkora's narrow pre-payment professional review of a defined mark, jurisdiction and goods/services scope. It may return Proceed, Modify or Stop with concise reasons.
Why it matters
It helps keep the evidence, responsibility and next action precise.
China context
It is not a guarantee, a full legal opinion or a substitute for separate dispute analysis.
The common name of a product or service rather than an indicator of commercial source. Generic terms ordinarily cannot function as exclusive trademarks for those goods/services.
Why it matters
It helps keep the evidence, responsibility and next action precise.
China context
A term may be generic for one product but not for unrelated goods/services.
A place name or geographic expression used in a proposed mark. It may create distinctiveness, descriptiveness or public-interest issues depending on context.
Why it matters
It helps keep the evidence, responsibility and next action precise.
China context
The effect depends on the term, the goods/services and the applicable China rules.
The products and activities for which trademark protection is requested. The wording sets the practical boundary of the application and registration.
Why it matters
It helps connect real business activity to specific goods and services without relying on a class number alone.
China context
Broad business descriptions must usually be converted into accepted, specific items.
A sign that is the same, or effectively the same, as another sign for the relevant comparison. Identity does not by itself answer every legal issue without considering goods/services and status.
Why it matters
It helps separate public-record evidence from a case-specific professional conclusion.
China context
Exact-match searching is useful but is only one part of a proper pre-filing review.
Distinctiveness that comes from the mark itself, without needing evidence that consumers have learned to recognise it through use.
Why it matters
It helps keep the evidence, responsibility and next action precise.
China context
Whether a sign is inherently distinctive depends on the sign and the relevant goods/services.
The registration recorded by WIPO under the Madrid System. It operates through designations and does not create one unitary worldwide trademark right.
Why it matters
It helps compare routes, scope and requirements without assuming that one option fits every case.
China context
Each designated member may examine protection under its own law.
A procedure challenging the validity of a registration on recognised legal grounds. It is not the same as opposition or non-use cancellation.
Why it matters
It helps identify the relevant procedural stage instead of mixing it with ordinary filing preparation.
China context
China invalidation requires separate grounds, evidence, pricing and engagement analysis.
A legal assessment of whether relevant consumers may mistakenly believe that goods or services come from the same or related source.
Why it matters
It helps separate public-record evidence from a case-specific professional conclusion.
China context
Similarity of signs and similarity of goods/services both matter; a result list alone is not the final conclusion.
A locally eligible lawyer, trademark professional, agent or entity required or used to act before a national office. The permitted role varies by jurisdiction.
Why it matters
It helps compare routes, scope and requirements without assuming that one option fits every case.
China context
Directory coverage does not prove that a named local representative is already assigned.
A mark whose protected subject is a graphic, symbol or stylised design. A logo filing does not automatically provide the same scope as a plain word-mark filing.
Why it matters
It helps keep each sign and brand format distinct when planning searches and protection.
China context
Search and filing should reflect whether the logo contains readable words, Chinese characters or distinctive graphic elements.
WIPO's international trademark registration system, which allows eligible applicants to seek protection in designated members through one international filing framework.
Why it matters
It helps compare routes, scope and requirements without assuming that one option fits every case.
China context
Designation does not remove national examination or China-specific classification and refusal issues.
A professional-review outcome recommending that the mark, goods/services or filing strategy be adjusted before continuing.
Why it matters
It helps keep the evidence, responsibility and next action precise.
China context
A material change may require fresh evidence and a new scope fingerprint.
The international classification system that organises goods and services into 45 classes for trademark registration. It helps structure applications but does not by itself define every national similarity rule.
Why it matters
It helps connect real business activity to specific goods and services without relying on a class number alone.
China context
China uses the Nice framework together with its Similar Goods and Services table and Similar Groups.
A procedure seeking cancellation of a registration because the mark has not been used for the legally relevant period, subject to jurisdiction-specific rules.
Why it matters
It helps identify the relevant procedural stage instead of mixing it with ordinary filing preparation.
China context
Eligibility, timing, evidence and strategy require a separate matter assessment.
A communication from a trademark office raising an issue or requiring a response during examination. Terminology and procedure vary by jurisdiction.
Why it matters
It helps identify the relevant procedural stage instead of mixing it with ordinary filing preparation.
China context
China refusal/review procedures should not be mixed with a standard filing package or Free Check.
The member office through which an eligible applicant submits a Madrid international application, based on the required connection and basic mark.
Why it matters
It helps compare routes, scope and requirements without assuming that one option fits every case.
China context
The Office of origin is not the same as each designated national office.
A procedure in which an eligible party challenges a published trademark application before registration or at the applicable stage.
Why it matters
It helps identify the relevant procedural stage instead of mixing it with ordinary filing preparation.
China context
Opposition is a separate dispute matter requiring deadline, standing, grounds and evidence review.
The limited time in which an opposition may be filed after the relevant publication. The period and transition rules depend on the applicable law.
Why it matters
It helps identify the relevant procedural stage instead of mixing it with ordinary filing preparation.
China context
Use the current effective-dated China timeline registry rather than hardcoding one permanent period.
A trademark consisting of or containing a person's name. Rights, consent, distinctiveness and conflict questions can differ from ordinary invented words.
Why it matters
It helps keep each sign and brand format distinct when planning searches and protection.
China context
Do not infer that an applicant is connected to the named person without verified evidence.
A document authorising a representative to act for the applicant or owner. Formalities differ by jurisdiction and procedure.
Why it matters
It helps compare routes, scope and requirements without assuming that one option fits every case.
China context
Use the current country requirements registry; do not assume notarisation or legalisation without evidence.
A procedural stage in which an application has passed examination sufficiently to be published for possible opposition, subject to the applicable system.
Why it matters
It helps identify the relevant procedural stage instead of mixing it with ordinary filing preparation.
China context
In China, preliminary approval publication does not yet mean final registration.
A mechanism that may allow a later application to rely on an earlier qualifying filing date when the legal conditions and deadline are met.
Why it matters
It helps compare routes, scope and requirements without assuming that one option fits every case.
China context
Priority is not automatic; the applicant must meet the applicable requirements and provide the required information or documents.
A professional-review outcome meaning the current scope can continue into application preparation because no issue requiring a prior stop was identified in the defined check.
Why it matters
It helps keep the evidence, responsibility and next action precise.
China context
Proceed is not a guarantee of registration.
A user-facing database search that helps identify potentially relevant records. It supports exploration and acquisition but does not replace case-specific professional review.
Why it matters
It helps separate public-record evidence from a case-specific professional conclusion.
China context
Search coverage, freshness, transliteration and goods/services scope should be considered.
Official public notice of an application, registration or other trademark event. The legal effect depends on the publication type and jurisdiction.
Why it matters
It helps identify the relevant procedural stage instead of mixing it with ordinary filing preparation.
China context
Only the relevant preliminary-approval publication opens the ordinary opposition window for a China application.
A decision or notice indicating that an application is not accepted in whole or in part. Available review or response routes depend on the jurisdiction and deadline.
Why it matters
It helps identify the relevant procedural stage instead of mixing it with ordinary filing preparation.
China context
A refusal matter requires separate scope, deadline review, pricing and engagement.
The formal grant or recording of trademark rights by the relevant office after applicable requirements and procedures are completed.
Why it matters
It helps identify the relevant procedural stage instead of mixing it with ordinary filing preparation.
China context
A filed or published application must not be described as registered.
The procedure for maintaining a registration for another term by meeting the applicable deadline and requirements.
Why it matters
It helps identify the relevant procedural stage instead of mixing it with ordinary filing preparation.
China context
Renewal timing and fees are jurisdiction-specific and should come from a current registry.
A procedure asking the competent authority to reconsider or review a refusal decision. It is separate from the ordinary filing process.
Why it matters
It helps identify the relevant procedural stage instead of mixing it with ordinary filing preparation.
China context
China review-of-refusal work requires a separate case assessment and exact quote.
The recorded procedural state of a trademark application or registration, such as pending, published, registered, refused, withdrawn or expired.
Why it matters
It helps separate public-record evidence from a case-specific professional conclusion.
China context
Status affects relevance, but historical and current records should not be interpreted without checking context and dates.
A trademark used for services rather than physical goods. Many systems use the word “trademark” as an umbrella term for both goods and services.
Why it matters
It helps keep the evidence, responsibility and next action precise.
China context
Services are classified mainly in Nice Classes 35–45, but the exact service wording remains important.
A grouping used in China's Similar Goods and Services table as a reference when assessing whether goods or services are considered similar.
Why it matters
It helps connect real business activity to specific goods and services without relying on a class number alone.
China context
Items inside one Nice class may fall into different Similar Groups, and practical coverage can differ.
A sign that resembles another in appearance, sound, meaning, overall impression or another legally relevant way.
Why it matters
It helps separate public-record evidence from a case-specific professional conclusion.
China context
The degree of similarity and the goods/services relationship require professional assessment.
The list of goods and services stated in an application or registration. Its wording affects examination, comparison, enforcement and future business use.
Why it matters
It helps connect real business activity to specific goods and services without relying on a class number alone.
China context
China filing strategy should consider accepted item wording and Similar Group coverage.
A professional-review outcome meaning the current proposal should not proceed unchanged. The user may consider a new mark, a changed scope, detailed review or a separate dispute consultation.
Why it matters
It helps keep the evidence, responsibility and next action precise.
China context
Stop is a case-specific recommendation, not an automated risk label.
A sign used to distinguish the commercial source of goods or services. It may include words, logos, combinations and other signs accepted by the relevant trademark office.
Why it matters
It helps keep the evidence, responsibility and next action precise.
China context
China protection depends on the filed sign, the approved goods or services and the applicable registration record.
One of the numbered groups in the Nice Classification. Classes 1–34 mainly cover goods and Classes 35–45 mainly cover services.
Why it matters
It helps connect real business activity to specific goods and services without relying on a class number alone.
China context
The class number is only the starting point; the selected goods/services and Similar Groups matter.
Permission from the owner for another party to use the trademark under agreed conditions. Ownership does not transfer merely because a licence exists.
Why it matters
It helps identify the relevant procedural stage instead of mixing it with ordinary filing preparation.
China context
Recordal and use-control issues depend on the applicable rules and agreement.
The person or entity recorded as owning an application or registration. Ownership information matters for enforcement, assignments, licences and portfolio control.
Why it matters
It helps keep the evidence, responsibility and next action precise.
China context
The owner shown in a public record should not be assumed to have a relationship with another brand without evidence.
The official document or electronic record evidencing registration. The certificate should be read together with the registered mark, owner, goods/services, dates and status.
Why it matters
It helps identify the relevant procedural stage instead of mixing it with ordinary filing preparation.
China context
A sample illustration must not be presented as a real client certificate.
A rule connecting trademark rights, filing basis, maintenance or vulnerability to actual commercial use. The timing and evidence vary greatly by jurisdiction.
Why it matters
It helps compare routes, scope and requirements without assuming that one option fits every case.
China context
Use questions in the United States should not be copied onto China applications as though the systems were identical.
A mark consisting primarily of words, letters or numbers without claiming one fixed graphic presentation. It generally focuses protection on the verbal element as filed.
Why it matters
It helps keep each sign and brand format distinct when planning searches and protection.
China context
Chinese-character, Latin-letter and other word forms may need separate search and filing analysis.
