In a rare move, CNIPA has reversed its refusal of a trademark application containing the term “香港Hong Kong.” The mark was initially rejected for including a geographical name, but our team successfully argued its distinctiveness and brand identity.

CNIPA’s reversal is notable given the low success rate of such reviews—only around 20% succeed. This case reflects a subtle shift in examination trends, with more decisions favoring brand owners in recent months.

Our IP Prosecution Team members, Valerie Suen and Janice Yip, unpack the strategy behind this win and share insights on how to navigate absolute grounds refusals in China. A valuable read for anyone facing similar hurdles before CNIPA