Singaporean companies can improve their success rate in applying for trademarks in China through the following ways：
Adequate preparation is necessary in the early stage
Choose a suitable trademark name and design: The trademark name should be unique, prominent, and easy to remember and recognize, avoiding the use of generic vocabulary, descriptive words, industry terms, and other words that lack distinctiveness. It should also not use content that is the same or similar to China’s national name, emblem, military flag, or contains ethnic discrimination, deception, or other content that violates the prohibited provisions of the Trademark Law. At the same time, the pattern design of the trademark should be concise, clear, aesthetically pleasing, and creative, and easy to use and spread in different media and scenarios
Conduct a comprehensive trademark search: Before submitting an application, it is necessary to carefully search for registered trademarks that are identical or similar to the intended trademark through official channels such as China Trademark Network or professional trademark search tools. Not only should we pay attention to the similarity of textual trademarks, but also consider the similarity of graphics, pronunciation, meaning, and other aspects to reduce the risk of rejection due to conflicts with prior trademarks
The application materials should be accurate and complete
Provide legal and valid subject certification materials: Singapore company registration certificate, Bizfile documents and other subject certification materials must be provided, and notarization and authentication procedures must be completed as required. These documents need to be notarized by a notary public in Singapore, certified by the Singapore Law Society, and authenticated by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Singapore to confirm their authenticity and legality
Fill out a standardized trademark registration application form: Ensure that the application form is filled out accurately and without errors, including the applicant’s basic information, the name and design of the trademark, the designated category of goods or services to be used, and specific projects. The selection and filling of product or service categories should strictly follow the “Classification Table for Similar Goods and Services” to ensure that the selected category fully covers the business scope of the enterprise, and to prevent improper category selection from affecting the protection scope of the trademark or causing registration failure
The application strategy should be reasonable
Consider registering a combination trademark separately: If the trademark contains multiple elements such as text, graphics, numbers, etc., it is recommended to register each element separately. In this way, even if one element has a similar situation, it will not affect the registration success rate of other elements, and the trademark registered separately is more flexible in use, and can be used separately or in combination according to different needs
Timely submission of application: Chinese trademark registration follows the principle of priority application, that is, whoever submits the application first has the possibility of obtaining trademark rights. Therefore, once the trademark and related application matters are determined, the application should be submitted to the China Trademark Office as soon as possible to avoid being preemptively registered by others
Professional guidance and communication should be in place
Entrusting a professional trademark agency: Due to the complex process of trademark registration and the involvement of Chinese laws, regulations, and examination standards, it is best for Singaporean companies to entrust a professional trademark agency established in China in accordance with the law to handle the registration application. Professional agency has rich experience and professional knowledge, which can provide accurate consultation and guidance for enterprises, help them prepare application materials, formulate application strategies, and timely handle various problems encountered during the application process, thus improving the success rate of registration
Maintain good communication: During the application process, Singaporean companies should maintain close communication with the trademark agency, timely understand the progress of the application, provide feedback on the company’s needs and opinions, cooperate with the agency to complete various application work, and ensure the smooth progress of the application process
Follow up maintenance should be taken seriously
Timely response to examination opinions and rejection notices: If the Trademark Office raises examination opinions or issues rejection notices during the examination process, the enterprise should take them seriously, communicate with the agency in a timely manner, analyze the reasons, and take corresponding measures according to the specific situation. If you are dissatisfied with the reasons for rejection, you can apply for rejection review within the prescribed time limit and strive for the opportunity to register the trademark
Standardize the use and management of trademarks: After successful trademark registration, enterprises must strictly use the trademark in accordance with the approved scope of goods or services on the trademark registration certificate, and retain relevant evidence of use, such as product packaging, advertising materials, sales contracts, etc. At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen the management and monitoring of trademarks to prevent others from infringing on one’s trademark rights. If infringement is found, timely measures should be taken to protect one’s legitimate rights and interests