SAIC Simplifies Digital Trademark Application Process

On February 1, 2018 the Trademark Office of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC) issued an Announcement on Further Making it more Convenient to Apply for Digital Trademark Certificates as a part of the implementation of overall trademark reform and to meet the growing demand for digital trademark certificates from trademark agencies. The Announcement makes three main changes: (1) reducing the red tape to apply for digital trademark certificates, (2) reducing the amount of time to prepare a digital trademark certificate, and (3) increasing the number of digital trademark certificates issued. According to the Announcement, the application process will also go paperless starting on February 1, 2018. Digital trademark certificates will be prepared and issued on a weekly basis for new applications starting on March 1, 2018. Agencies can also use the online application system to apply for a digital trademark certificate and record file for a new agency at the same time.