China: Trademark

China's National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has launched an AI-powered image search function for trademark similarity searches, allowing users to upload trademark images directly to find similar graphic marks.

近年来，一种特殊的商标侵权形式——反向假冒——引起了执法部门的高度关注。与传统假冒不同，侵权人销售的是正品，但擅自更换了原有商标

上海知識産権法院は「栄耀（HONOR）」など著名ブランドを巡る商標権侵害事件について集中的に審理を行い、悪意あるブランドへの便乗や反復的

China's National Intellectual Property Administration has released updated versions of both the International Patent Classification system and the Nice Classification for trademark registration, introducing over 1,600 revised classification codes. These changes will affect how patent and trademark applications are processed starting January 1, 2026, with new classification tables and definitions now available through official CNIPA channels.

China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has intensified its intellectual property enforcement efforts, investigating 37,000 cases in 2025 and transferring over 1,000 suspected criminal cases to judicial authorities. The agency is now developing new regulations to combat "ghost online stores" and strengthen e-commerce platform obligations, while expanding its government-enterprise collaboration mechanism to include 60 major brands across key industries.

China's online platforms have evolved from simple intermediaries to complex ecosystems integrating ecommerce, content sharing, and algorithmic recommendations.

AFD China's May 2026 newsletter covers significant developments in Chinese intellectual property law, including new judicial interpretations on punitive damages, typical cases in patent and trademark protection, and detailed analysis of Supreme Court rulings on patent infringement disputes. The newsletter also highlights AFD China's recognition as a recommended reputable IP firm and its awards in technology, IP transactions, and portfolio management.

4月20日、最高人民法院は「知的財産権民事紛争事件における懲罰的賠償の適用に関する解釈」（以下「解釈」）を正式に公布した。5月1日から施行される。

As artificial intelligence and platform-based business models reshape the digital economy, China's traditional trademark examination system—which relies on static classifications of goods and services—faces unprecedented structural challenges.