In China, intellectual property often goes to whoever registers it first — not whoever created it. Foreign companies regularly discover their brand name has been registered by someone else, or that their product is being copied and sold before they have any protection in place. Whether you want to secure your IP early or you're already dealing with infringement, acting through local counsel makes the difference. We help foreign companies protect and enforce their IP inside China.
Who We Help
- Foreign companies that want to protect their IP in China before problems arise
- Businesses whose trademark, patent, or product has already been infringed or copied
- Cross-border sellers and brand owners worried about counterfeiting
What We Help With
- Registering trademarks in China
- Filing patent applications in China
- Copyright registration and protection
- Recovering or opposing bad-faith trademark registrations
- Enforcing your rights against counterfeiting and infringement
- Protecting technical know-how and trade secrets
Why Registering Early Matters
China operates largely on a "first to file" system: in most cases, the party who registers a trademark first holds the rights — even if they didn't create the brand. This is why foreign companies so often find their name already taken. Registering early is far cheaper and simpler than trying to recover a trademark or fight infringement after the fact.
Why Work With Us
- A bilingual attorney team — you work directly with lawyers in English and Mandarin, with no translator in between
- Our team includes a lawyer selected for Fujian's official Foreign-Related Lawyers Talent Pool, with a focus on intellectual property
- Based in Xiamen, at Deheng Law Offices — a national law firm — with the local standing to file, oppose, and enforce on the ground
- Full coverage — from registration and early strategy to opposition, enforcement, and trade secret protection
How It Works
- You tell us your situation — what you want to protect, or the infringement you're facing.
- We review it and, if helpful, arrange a complimentary 15-minute video call to talk through your options.
- If we take it on, we agree on the scope and fees before any work begins.
- We act on your behalf — registration, opposition, enforcement, or dispute resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Someone already registered my brand name in China. Can I get it back?
Possibly. Depending on the timing and circumstances, options include opposition, invalidation, or negotiation. The right approach depends on the details, which is what an initial assessment is for. Acting quickly improves your chances.
Should I register my trademark in China even if I don't have operations there yet?
In most cases, yes — especially if your products are made in China. Because China works largely on a first-to-file basis, registering early is the most effective way to prevent someone else from taking your brand.
My product is being copied and sold online. What can I do?
If you hold the relevant IP rights, options can include takedown complaints, cease-and-desist action, and litigation. If you don't yet hold registered rights in China, securing them is usually the first step — we assess both in an initial review.
How much does IP protection cost?
Our fees are flexible. Straightforward registrations can be handled on a fixed-fee basis, while enforcement matters depend on the situation. We explain the structure clearly before any work begins, so there are no surprises.
How do you work with clients who don't speak Chinese?
Our attorneys work with you directly in English. You deal with the lawyer handling your matter — not a translator.