Register a Trademark in Hong Kong: Procedures, Costs, and IPD Tips

In a world where ideas and innovation are the main drivers, it is essential to not only legally protect your brand identity but also use it as a business strategy. Hong Kong, one of the most vibrant commercial centers in Asia, is ready to protect your brand with a strong and globally compatible trademark system that aims at brand value, reputation, and customer loyalty preservation.

If you are a startup with the idea of your first product or a multinational planning to extend your business in Asia, knowing how to register a trademark in Hong Kong is the first step to keep your intellectual property safe in an optimal business environment.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from trademark registration, costs, and procedures to trademark search, renewal, and best practices.

What Is a Trademark in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, a trademark is a sign that identifies your products or services from those of other people. It may be a combination of words, figures, logos, symbols, shapes, colors, or sounds. In Hong Kong, the owner of a trademark is entitled to the exclusive use of the mark if it is registered.

Common Types of Trademarks:

• Word Marks: Names of businesses, words representing the businesses, or catchphrases
• Logo Marks: Identifying features, characters, or inventions
• Combination Marks: Both words and logos
• Sound Marks: Unique audio identifiers
• 3D Marks: Unique product forms or packaging

The law allows you, as a trademark owner, to stop others from using the same or confusingly similar marks if you have lodged one.

Understanding of a Trademark in Hong Kong

Reasons to Register a Trademark in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is an open economy with strong legal compliance with IP rules. Here are some of the reasons why businesses worldwide decide to file a trademark application in Hong Kong:

1. Gateway to the Chinese and Asian Markets

Thanks to the location of Hong Kong next to Mainland China and its free-market economy structure, it is a perfect place to start Asian business operations. Your brand will be able to get the credit and attention throughout the area if you register your trademark here.

2. Strong Legal Framework

The Trade Marks Ordinance (Cap. 559) and Trade Marks Rules (Cap. 559A) comprise a detailed and robust system of trademark protection that is totally in line with the international IP standards, such as the Paris Convention and TRIPS Agreement.

3. First-to-File System

The "first-to-file" rule is followed in Hong Kong, meaning that it is the person or entity who registers a trademark first that obtains the rights, even though another party may have already used it. Fast action is therefore necessary to make sure that your brand is secured.

4. No Local Presence Required

Local and foreign applicants are allowed to register trademarks in Hong Kong without the need for them to be living or physically engaged in the city.

5. Strong Enforcement

Trademarks that are registered can be backed up by the law in case there is an infringement, a counterfeit, or a usage without permission, hence, they are the ones that keep your brand reputation and your place in the market safe.

Trademark Search in Hong Kong: The First Step

While not mandatory, conducting a trademark search in Hong Kong before filing is strongly recommended to avoid potential rejection or disputes. In fact, by doing so, you get to know if there are already similar or even identical trademarks, thus, rejection or expensive disputes can be avoided.

Why Conduct a Trademark Search:

• Avoids legal conflicts with existing trademarks
• Saves time and application fees
• Strengthens your application strategy

How to Perform a Search:

You can perform a free preliminary trademark search using the IPD’s official online search system at esearch.ipd.gov.hk

You can search by:

• Word or logo mark
• Applicant name
• Application or registration number

For complex cases, it’s wise to hire a trademark professional or agent to conduct a comprehensive analysis and evaluate similarity risks.

Conducting a trademark search in Hong Kong is vital

Register a Trademark in Hong Kong: Step-by-Step

Registering a trademark in Hong Kong is a straightforward process when you follow the correct procedure. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search

As mentioned, this step ensures your mark is available and reduces the risk of rejection.

Step 2: File the Application

Applications can be filed in English or Chinese. A Hong Kong address for service must be provided, which can be your local agent’s address.

Submit your application to the Intellectual Property Department (IPD) of the Hong Kong SAR Government. Applications can be filed:

• Online via the IPD e-filing system, or
• Manually using Form T2 by post or in person

The application should include:

• Applicant’s name and address
• A clear representation of the trademark
• A list of goods or services (based on the Nice Classification)
• A statement of intent to use

Step 3: Examination by the IPD

The IPD first conducts a formality check, followed by a substantive examination to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to confirm that your mark does not conflict with existing trademarks.

Step 4: Publication in the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Journal

In case of acceptance, your trademark will be published for opposition. The 3 months period is meant for any objections that may be raised against your application by third parties.

Step 5: Registration and Certificate Issuance

In case of no opposition to the grant (or successful overcoming of opposition), the trademark will be registered, and the Certificate of Registration will be sent to you.

Congratulations, your brand is now officially protected under Hong Kong law!

Registering a trademark in Hong Kong is a straightforward process

Hong Kong Trademark Registration Fee

The Hong Kong trademark registration fee is affordable and transparent, especially compared to other global IP jurisdictions. As of 2025, the official fees are:

Note: Professional service providers may charge additional fees for document preparation, trademark search, and filing assistance, but these often increase your success rate significantly.

How Long Does Trademark Registration Take in Hong Kong?

The process typically takes 6 to 8 months, depending on whether the IPD raises objections or oppositions occur.

Estimated Timeline:

1. Trademark search: 1–3 days
2. Application submission: Immediate
3. Examination by IPD: 2–3 months
4. Publication for opposition: 3 months
5. Final registration and certification: 1–2 months

For smooth and timely processing, ensure all documents are accurate and respond promptly to any queries from the IPD.

Duration and Hong Kong Trademark Renewal

A trademark in Hong Kong is valid for 10 years from the registration date and can be renewed indefinitely for additional 10-year periods.

Hong Kong Trademark Renewal Process:

• When to renew: Within 6 months before expiry (or within 6 months after, with late fees)
• Where to file: Hong Kong IPD via Form T8
• Hong Kong trademark renewal fee:
  • HKD 2,670 per class (on-time)
  • HKD 3,340 per class (late renewal)

Renewing your trademark ensures your protection remains uninterrupted, a vital step for long-term brand management.

What If Your Trademark Is Rejected?

If your application is rejected, the IPD will issue an examination report explaining the reasons, which could include:

• Similarity to an existing mark
• Lack of distinctiveness
• Use of generic or descriptive terms

Options After Rejection:

1. Respond or Amend: Provide clarification, modify goods/services, or alter the mark.
2. File an Appeal: Submit an appeal to the Registrar of Trade Marks within six months.
3. Reapply with Modifications: Adjust your mark and resubmit the application.

A professional trademark consultant can help strengthen your arguments and improve the chances of successful registration.

International Trademark Protection via Hong Kong

Although Hong Kong is not part of the Madrid Protocol, you may seek international protection through Mainland China’s Madrid membership, provided your trademark is also registered in Mainland China.

This makes Hong Kong a strategic first step for global IP expansion across Asia.

International trademark protection through Hong Kong

Tips for Successful Trademark Registration in Hong Kong

1. Choose a Distinctive Mark: Avoid overly descriptive or generic terms. Distinctive marks have a higher chance of approval and stronger protection.
2. Classify Your Goods/Services Correctly: Use the Nice Classification system to determine your trademark’s category. Incorrect classification may limit your protection scope.
3. Conduct a Thorough Search: A professional trademark search in Hong Kong helps to find possible conflicts before the filing process, thus it is time and money-saving.
4. Keep Proof of Use: Make sure to have in your possession documents that demonstrate the use of your trademark (promotions, packaging, sales invoices). This will be helpful in defending your mark when there is a legal dispute.
5. Monitor and Renew: Be aware of any possible infringements and renew your Hong Kong trademark on time in order to be able to enjoy uninterrupted protection.

Trademark Enforcement and Protection in Hong Kong

Having a registered trademark is like having a legal weapon in your hand. The power to control the use of your brand is in your hands, and you are entitled to:

• File lawsuits against those copying your brand without your consent
• Apply for court orders and compensation
• Ask the Customs to stop and take goods that are fake
• Use the court or other legal methods, like arbitration or mediation, to settle the issue

Hong Kong’s well-established IP enforcement framework ensures fairness, transparency, and international recognition, providing strong protection for your intellectual property.

Conclusion: Protect Your Brand Today with a Hong Kong Trademark

By 2025, one of the most valuable assets a company can have is its brand. Hong Kong remains one of the best places to protect it. Its legal system of international standards, the registration process that is free from corruption and the strict enforcement of intellectual property rights make a trademark in Hong Kong a wise investment for any business that has regional or global ambitions.

Don’t leave your brand unprotected. Take the first step to register your trademark in Hong Kong today with OneIBC Hong Kong, your trusted partner for seamless trademark search, registration, and renewal services.