As an international financial centre and with a free economic system, low tax rate and comprehensive infrastructure and supporting trade services, Hong Kong attracts investors from all around the world. While enhancing its international reputation, Hong Kong’s industries such as service, financial, textile, electronic, jewellery, logistic, gift and premium, and toys are well known around the world. Lots of investors have registered their trademarks in Hong Kong in order to protect their brands and enhance their competiveness.

The Right of Priority on Hong Kong Trademark Registration

An applicant may enjoy the right of priority on trademark registration in Hong Kong if he/she has filed an application for trademark registration for the same goods or service with a state party to Paris Convention or a WTO member state within six months before filing such application in Hong Kong.

Matters to be Considered before Filing an Application

*Whether the trademark distinguishes the applicant’s goods or services from other traders
*Whether the trademark shows the distinctiveness of the goods and services
*Whether the trademark is a generic term in that industry

*Whether the trademark is identical or similar to other trademarks

Required Information and Documents

*Corporation Applicant: Business Registration Certificate / Certificate of Incorporation
*Individual Applicant: Identity documents and address proof
*Application form

*Trademark image

Trademark Registration Flow

*Trademark Search
*Initial Application
*Substantive Examination
*Publication

*Issuance of Certificate

Preliminary Trademark Search

The Preliminary trademark search, while optional, to avoid legal complications in the future. The point of a trademark search is to ensure that the trademark is not already under application or registered by another entity in order to reduce the possibilities of the rejection or opposition raised.

Duration of Application

6-8 months

Validity Period

The registration is valid for 10 years.

Renewal

Renewal application for 10 years may be submitted 6 months before the expiry.
Note: Trademarks Registry does not accept P.O. box address or ”care of“ address. An applicant shall provide an address for service, telephone number, facsimile number and email address which can be provided by For You Business company for the officers of Trademarks Registry to contact him/her at any time.

If you would like more information about Hong Kong Trademark Registration, please contact our professionals and we will provide you with free advisory.