Trademark Registration

Registering a trademark in Hong Kong is a legally structured process that ensures your brand is protected under the Trade Marks Ordinance (Cap. 559). The procedure is overseen by the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department (IPD). Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, here’s how to register your trademark effectively:

Before filing your application, you should perform a trademark search in Hong Kong using the IPD Trademark Search System. This helps identify any existing trademarks that may conflict with yours and reduces the risk of rejection.

Your application must include:

You can submit your trademark application in Hong Kong online through the IPD’s e-filing platform or in person. Ensure the government fees are paid at the time of submission to avoid delays.

Once submitted, the IPD examines the application to confirm it meets all legal requirements. They assess whether the mark is distinctive and non-conflicting with registered or pending trademarks. If there are objections, a written notice will be issued for your response.

If approved, your trademark will be published in the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Journal for a statutory 3-month opposition period. During this window, third parties may challenge your trademark application if they believe it infringes on their existing rights.

If no oppositions are filed or if you successfully defend against any opposition your Hong Kong trademark will be officially registered, and you’ll receive a certificate of registration. This grants you exclusive rights to use the trademark in Hong Kong for a 10-year period.

To register a trademark in Hong Kong, you need:

Our legal experts at Themis Partner ensure that your application is complete and compliant to reduce risks of rejection. You can consult the official IPD filing guide for more details.

The trademark registration process in Hong Kong typically takes 6 to 9 months, assuming no objections or oppositions. Here’s a quick timeline:

Yes, foreign companies and individuals can register a trademark in Hong Kong, even if they do not have a physical presence or business operations in the city. Hong Kong’s open legal system allows non-resident applicants to secure intellectual property rights, making it a popular destination for international brand protection.

To register a trademark in Hong Kong as a foreign applicant, you must appoint a local representative or trademark agent, such as Themis Partner. This agent handles all communications with the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department (IPD) on your behalf, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and timely submission of documents. Working with a local expert significantly increases your chances of a successful application, especially when navigating classification issues, objections, or oppositions.

Hong Kong follows a “first-to-file” trademark system, meaning that the first party to submit a valid application gains legal ownership regardless of prior use. For this reason, foreign investors are strongly advised to register their trademarks in Hong Kong as early as possible to avoid brand hijacking or IP conflicts. Trademark registration is often one of the first legal actions taken by foreign businesses expanding into Hong Kong or using the city as a base for entering the Greater China or Southeast Asian markets.

Registering a trademark in Hong Kong is a strategic move that offers powerful legal and commercial advantages. Whether you’re launching a startup or expanding globally, here are the key reasons why securing your brand through the Hong Kong trademark system is essential:

In a competitive business hub like Hong Kong, trademark registration is one of the most effective tools for protecting your brand identity, both legally and commercially.

Operating in Hong Kong without a registered trademark exposes your brand to significant legal and commercial threats. In a first-to-file jurisdiction, the absence of formal registration leaves your business highly vulnerable.

Failing to register your trademark in Hong Kong means missing out on exclusive rights and legal leverage. For any business serious about growth and brand protection in Hong Kong, registration is not optional it’s essential. Don’t just protect your brand protect customer data too. Download the Personal Data Protection document to ensure compliance with Hong Kong’s data privacy laws and avoid regulatory penalties.

Understanding the validity and renewal rules of a trademark in Hong Kong is key to maintaining long-term brand protection. Once registered, your trademark grants you exclusive rights but only if properly maintained.

For complete guidelines on duration, renewal, and non-use, you can refer to the IPD’s official trademark FAQs.

To maintain legal protection, every registered trademark in Hong Kong must be renewed every 10 years. The renewal process is simple but must be handled within specific deadlines to avoid losing your rights. To renew your trademark, you must submit Form T8 to the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department (IPD) within the six months before the trademark’s expiration date. This includes payment of the official renewal fee to secure another 10-year term of protection.

If you miss the standard renewal window, a six-month grace period is available. However, late renewal during this period is only possible with the payment of a surcharge, which increases the cost and administrative burden.

If the trademark is not renewed by the end of the grace period, it will be removed from the Hong Kong trademark register. In that case, you lose all exclusive rights to the trademark, and the only way to regain protection is by filing a new application from the beginning without any guarantee of approval.

Yes, but it’s important to understand that Hong Kong and mainland China operate under completely separate legal systems, including for intellectual property. Registering a trademark in Hong Kong does not automatically give you protection in mainland China. If you plan to do business or manufacture goods in both jurisdictions, you must file separate applications.

To protect your trademark in Hong Kong, you must file directly with the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department (IPD). For mainland China, you need to submit your application to the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). While China is part of the Madrid Protocol a system that allows for international trademark registration Hong Kong is not currently included in that treaty. Therefore, a trademark registration in China via Madrid does not extend to Hong Kong, and vice versa.

Securing trademark protection in both regions is essential for businesses engaged in cross-border eCommerce, sourcing, or regional brand expansion. Dual registration helps prevent brand hijacking and ensures your intellectual property is enforceable in both legal environments.

Navigating the trademark registration process in Hong Kong can be complex, especially with strict legal requirements, classification rules, and the risk of third-party opposition. Whether you’re registering a new brand or expanding into the Hong Kong market, submitting a complete and compliant application is essential to securing your intellectual property rights. At Themis Partner, our legal professionals provide tailored trademark solutions aligned with the Trade Marks Ordinance and the procedures of the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department. We offer full legal support, from preliminary clearance searches to opposition handling and long-term portfolio management. Download your Hong Kong Trademark Registration documents today and protect your brand with clarity, speed, and legal confidence.