Trademark Registration in Hong Kong

A presentation brought to you by OpenCompanyHongKong.com

1

Trademark Protection in Hong Kong

2

• Companies can protect their trademarks while operating on the Hong Kong market through registration with the Intellectual Property Department.

• This is a step that should be considered by all business owners who want to differentiate themselves on the market.

Reasons to Register a Trademarkin Hong Kong

3

• The holder of a trademark registration certificate has exclusive right to use that trademark in relation to the goods or services provided by his company.

• Other companies that use the same trademark are liable for infringement. Unregistered trademarks cannot be protected against usage from various parties.

Types of Trademarks

4

• A trademark in Hong Kong is a unique sign used to identify the goods and services of a company from others on the market. Trademarks can be:

words, letters, characters; symbols; designs; colours; figurative elements; sounds, etc.

Important Trademark Characteristics

5

• The most important characteristic a trademark has is originality. It must be distinctive from other trademarks and set apart the services provided by the Hong Kong company from other similar ones.

• The trademark must also provide a good description of the services offered by the company. Those that describe the quality, purpose or value will not be accepted.

Trademark Search Before Registration in Hong Kong

6

• Company owners in Hong Kong who want to register a new trademark can conduct a preliminary trademark search.

• Via an online portal they can see if a similar trademark is already in use. Trademarks that are considered similar will not receive approval for usage.

Trademark Application Procedure in Hong Kong >>

7

• The applicant must fill in a trademark application form and submit it to the Trade Marks Registry together with a graphic representation of the trademark.

• The application is thoroughly checked and compared to other existing trademarks. The Registry can object the trademark if it does not meet the criteria. Our company formation experts can help you with detailed information about the trademark criteria.

>> Trademark Application Procedure in Hong Kong

8

• The applicant can contest the objection of his trademark within six months.

• Once the trademark is accepted and registered, the Trade Marks Registrar will issue a certificate of registration. The registration of the trademark is made official through a publication in the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Journal. Afterwards, the Hong Kong company can use its trademark.

Trademark Opposition in Hong Kong

9

• Third parties can oppose a registered trademark once it is published.

• The opposition must be submitted within three months after the publication date. Our company formation agents in Hong Kong can help you with the trademark opposition process.

Assistance for Trademark Registration in Hong Kong

10

• A registered trademark allows its owner to use it during the validity time of the registration.

• For personalized assistance and advice you can request the help of our company formation agents in Hong Kong.

Thank You for Your Attention!

For more information please contact us at:

 + 852 8191 3385 (for international clients)

office@lawfirmhongkong.com

http://www.opencompanyhongkong.com/ 11