In China, the following logos cannot be used as trademarks:
Relating to national and international symbols:
- Logos that are identical with or similar to the name, national flag, national emblem, national anthem, military flag, army emblem, military songs, medals, or decorations of the People’s Republic of China, as well as the name or symbol of a central state organ, the specific place where it is located, or the name or design of its landmark building.
- Logos that are identical with or similar to the name, national flag, national emblem, or military flag of a foreign country, except if it was permitted by that country’s government.
- Logos that are identical with or similar to the name, flag, or emblem of an international intergovernmental organization, unless it was permitted by the organization or will not mislead the public.
Official signs and symbols: Logos that are identical with or similar to an official sign or an official inspection mark that indicates the provision of control or guarantee, except as authorised.
Red Cross and Red Crescent: Logos that are identical with or similar to the name or sign of the Red Cross or the Red Crescent.
Ethnically discriminatory: Logos that bear ethnic discrimination.
Deceptive or misleading: Logos that are deceptive and easily mislead the public regarding the quality, characteristics, or origin of goods or services.
Against socialist morality: Logos that are detrimental to socialist morality or have any other adverse effect.
Geographical names: The name of any administrative division in China at or above the county level or the name of any well-known foreign place, generally cannot be used as a trademark. However, there are exceptions if the place name has other meanings or is part of a collective mark or certification mark, and trademarks that have been registered using such names before the relevant regulations came into effect continue to be valid.