A registered trade mark gives you the exclusive right to use your brand in Hong Kong for the goods and services it covers. Registration is with the Trade Marks Registry of the Intellectual Property Department. It is the single most valuable piece of IP protection for most businesses, and much cheaper than rebranding after a dispute.
The government fee is HK$2,000 for the first class and HK$1,000 for each additional class. If there are no objections or opposition, registration can take as little as about 6 months.
At a glance
- Registry
- Trade Marks Registry, Intellectual Property Department
- Government fee
- HK$2,000 first class; HK$1,000 each additional class (one-off)
- Timing
- About 6 months if unopposed
- Duration
- 10 years, renewable indefinitely
- Non-use
- Mark can be removed after 3 years of non-use
The process
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Search | Check the register and the market for conflicting marks |
| 2. File | Form T2 with the mark, classes and goods/services, and a Hong Kong address for service |
| 3. Examination | The Registry examines for distinctiveness and conflicts |
| 4. Publication | Accepted marks are published in the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Journal |
| 5. Opposition | Third parties have 3 months to oppose |
| 6. Registration | Certificate issued if there is no opposition |
Government fees
| Item | Government fee (HK$) |
|---|---|
| Application: first class | 2,000 |
| Each additional class | 1,000 |
| Renewal: first class (every 10 years) | 2,670 |
| Renewal: each additional class | 1,340 |
| Late renewal surcharge | 500 |
Government fees are separate from our professional fees, which are quoted in writing.
Practical tips
- Register your Chinese brand name as well as your English name.
- Choose a distinctive mark; descriptive words are hard to register.
- Use "TM" until registered; using ® for an unregistered mark is an offence.
- Register in Mainland China and other markets separately; a Hong Kong registration does not cover them.
- Keep evidence of use to defend against non-use challenges.
Questions we are often asked
Can I register my company name as a trade mark?
Yes, if it is distinctive and does not conflict with earlier marks. Descriptive names are harder to register.
Do I need to be in Hong Kong to apply?
No, but you need a Hong Kong address for service. We can act as your agent and provide it.
What happens if someone opposes my application?
Opposition proceedings follow a set timetable for evidence and arguments. Many oppositions settle; contested ones need legal support. We coordinate with IP lawyers when needed.
Self-check: where do you stand?
| Question | If the answer is no |
|---|---|
| Have you searched the register for similar marks? | Search before filing |
| Have you chosen the right classes for current and planned products? | Review the classification |
| Have you filed for your Chinese name as well? | Consider a separate application |
| Are you using ® only for registered marks? | Use TM until registration |
| Is your renewal date diarised? | Diarise it 6 months before expiry |
- Searches, filing and responses to examination.
- Acting as your Hong Kong address for service.
- Tracking renewals and opposition deadlines.
- Our comprehensive guide to intellectual property covers patents, designs and copyright as well.
In summary
- HK$2,000 government fee for the first class.
- About 6 months if unopposed.
- Renew every 10 years and keep using the mark.
Official references
- Trade Marks Ordinance (Cap. 559)
- Intellectual Property Department: trade marks forms and fees, www.ipd.gov.hk