By Eileen Hui
Starting June 5, 2026, the Chinese National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has implemented a new communication procedure for Madrid-designated Chinese trademarks.
Under the revised practice, CNIPA will transmit the relevant documents electronically through the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which will then forward them to the trademark holder/the agent recorded in WIPO.
The change applies to several key documents issued during non-use cancellation proceedings, including:
Notices requiring the trademark owner to submit evidence of use or explain legitimate reasons for non-use;
Decisions cancelling a trademark registration where the owner fails to respond within the prescribed period; and
Case closure notices issued in connection with non-use cancellation proceedings.
What Changed
Aspect | Before June 5, 2026 | After June 5, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
Notice delivery | CNIPA will send Registered mail to applicants and/or agent recorded in WIPO | Entirely through WIPO only |
Local agent copies | NO copy will be sent to China local agent. | CNIPA No longer sent to applicants by registered mail |
Critical Implications for Trademark Owners
1. Verify your WIPO address: Ensure the address recorded with WIPO is accurate and can receive mail especially the email address.
2. Monitor proactively: Representatives must diligently monitor notices from CNIPA via WIPO, as local agents won't receive copies anymore
3. Response deadline: Still 2-month from notification receipt date from WIPO.
4. Keep envelope scans: The service date on the mailing envelope determines your response deadline
The adjustment forms part of CNIPA's broader effort to promote the full digitalization of trademark cancellation procedures and improve the effectiveness of document service in cases involving international registrations.
The Trademark Office stated that the change is intended to increase the delivery success rate of legal documents and better safeguard the rights and interests of owners of Madrid International Registrations.
Importantly, the new arrangement does not apply where the trademark owner has appointed a Chinese trademark agency to handle the response. In such cases, the existing document delivery mechanism will remain unchanged, and relevant decisions will continue to be served through the appointed representative.