Who this is for
- Companies and individuals launching a brand or online store in Hong Kong
- Mainland Chinese and overseas brands entering the Hong Kong market
- Founders who want to check availability before someone else files
A Hong Kong trade mark protects you in Hong Kong only. Mainland China and other markets need separate applications.
What's included / not included
Included
- Preliminary search for identical or similar marks, with an explanation of results
- Class and specification recommendations under the Nice Classification
- Preparing and filing the application (Form T2), electronically or on paper
- Handling the IPD's deficiency notices
- Forwarding the registration certificate and noting the renewal date
Not included
- IPD official fees
- Legal advice, or representation in infringement or opposition proceedings (this needs a solicitor)
- Responding to substantive examination objections (quoted separately)
- Applications outside Hong Kong
- Logo or brand design
Government fees
| Item | HK$ | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application (Form T2), first class | 2,000 | Generally non-refundable | ipd.gov.hk |
| Each additional class | 1,000 | In the same application | Same |
| Renewal, first class | 2,670 | Every 10 years | ipd.gov.hk FAQ |
| Renewal, each additional class | 1,340 | Same | Same |
Example: one mark in 3 classes costs HK$2,000 + HK$1,000 × 2 = HK$4,000 in official fees.
Documents required
This is a general document checklist; confirm the applicable items and secure handover arrangements at consultation. Please do not send identity or accounting records through the website form; your consultant will arrange a secure handover.
Individual applicant
- ID document and address
Corporate applicant
- Company name, place of incorporation and address (Certificate of Incorporation)
Mark details
- Clear image of the mark (state any colour claim)
- List of goods or services you use or intend to use it for
- Translation / transliteration of any Chinese or foreign words
- For a priority claim: country/region, date and number of the first application
Address for service
- A Hong Kong address for service. The IPD does not accept a P.O. Box, virtual office, "care of" address, an address used only for forwarding mail, or an email address
Process and timeline
Case timing is confirmed during consultation and depends on documents, authorities and third parties. No completion or approval time is guaranteed; statutory deadlines require separate checking.
| Step | What happens | Who | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preliminary search; class recommendations | HKESC | Confirmed for the case at consultation |
| 2 | Confirm details; file T2 with the official fee | HKESC | Confirmed for the case at consultation |
| 3 | Deficiency check | IPD | Any deficiencies must be remedied within 2 months after the date of the Registry's notice |
| 4 | Search and substantive examination | IPD | If objections are raised, you have 6 months from the date of the Registry's notice to respond; on a request filed on the specified form within that period (fee HK$200), the Registrar may grant one further 3-month extension |
| 5 | Publication in the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Journal | IPD | 3-month opposition period beginning on the publication date (a third party may request one 2-month extension within that period; no further extension) |
| 6 | Registration and certificate | IPD | With no deficiencies or opposition, as little as about 6 months from filing to registration |
Once registered, your rights date back to the filing date.
Ongoing obligations
- Renew the registration every 10 years
- A mark not genuinely used for a continuous 3-year period after registration may be open to revocation
- Notify the IPD of changes to the owner's name, address or address for service
FAQ
How long until the mark is registered?
With no deficiencies and no opposition, as little as about 6 months from the IPD receiving the application. Examination objections or third-party oppositions add time.
Can one application cover several classes?
Yes. The official fee is HK$2,000 for the first class and HK$1,000 for each additional class.
Our company name is registered — doesn't that protect the brand?
No. Company name registration and trade mark registration are separate systems; registering a company name gives no trade mark rights.
Can a Mainland or overseas company apply?
Yes, provided it gives a qualifying Hong Kong address for service.
Is the fee refunded if the application fails?
Generally not. The IPD says T2 fees are generally non-refundable except in very limited circumstances, which is why the search and classification before filing matter.
Does a Hong Kong trade mark cover Mainland China?
No. Trade marks are territorial; Mainland protection requires a separate application to the China National Intellectual Property Administration.