Many company fall into a common misconception when applying for trademark registration: they believe the trademark registration process is straightforward and that applications can be filed directly, Ignore trademark search, the core pre-registration step. In most cases, this results is rejections or oppositions. Not only waste money in application , but the 6–12 month registration timeline is also delayed, holding back brand launch and product promotion.
I. Why a pre-registration trademark search is necessary?
Trademark registration follows the first-to-file principle. If an identical or similar trademark exists with an earlier filing date, later applications will most likely be rejected. According to the 2025–2026 publicly available examination data from the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), approval rates differ drastically depending on whether a search is conducted:
· Direct application without prior search: Average rejection rate of 62.55%, with an overall approval rate of only 37.45%. For individuals filing blind applications in popular classes, the approval rate falls below 30%.
· Completion of basic official search: Rejection rate drops to 38.69%, and the approval rate rises to 61.31%.
· Professional full-dimensional similarity search: Preliminary examination approval rate can reach 85%, with a stable final registration rate of 70%–80%.
Brief summary of benefits: Pre-application searches help avoid similarity conflicts, save the 6–12 month registration cycle, prevent infringement disputes after brand launch, and reduce costs caused by re-filing after rejection.
II. Reliable Trademark Search Websites in 2026 (Data-backed + Official Portal)
1. CNIPA Trademark Office (the sole official authoritative source) Official website: http://sbj.cnipa.gov.cn/
Merits: Real-time synchronized data with 100% accuracy. All examinations, rejections and oppositions are ruled based on this platform. It supports free comprehensive searches for text, similarity, graphics and trademark status, with no advertisements or hidden charges.
2. Quandashi (User-friendly commercial search for beginners) Official website: https://www.quandashi.com/
Merits: Connected to the official real-time database with data latency within 2 hours, boasting an industry accuracy rate of 98%. It intelligently identifies similarity in character shape, pronunciation and semantics. Suitable for bulk screening and risk prediction; basic functions are permanently free of charge.
3. QCC (Enterprise / competitor trademark investigation) Official website: https://www.qcc.com/
Merits: Integrated industrial & commercial and trademark data with 99% coverage. Quickly look up trademarks owned by enterprises, competitor trademark layout and squatting records, ideal for brand risk control research.
III. Frequently Asked Trademark Search Questions
1. Is AI trademark search reliable? Is its approval rate really below 10%?
Fact: Yes. Ordinary AI tools can only match exact text and cannot identify similarities in pronunciation, character form, meaning or graphics. The industry misjudgment rate exceeds 90%. Pure AI search yields an approval rate under 10%. It is only fit for preliminary screening and shall not serve as the basis for trademark application.
2. Can Chinese graphic trademarks be searched?
Yes. On the CNIPA official site, select the graphic element similarity search to retrieve trademarks by composition, elements and style. Graphic trademarks are subject to strict similarity judgment, and 60% of graphic trademark rejections arise from similarity issues. Specialized searches are compulsory.
3. Do short two-word English trademarks enjoy high approval rates?
No, the overall approval rate is below 20%. Short English combinations have a huge existing volume and are highly prone to similarity. They may also be deemed lacking in distinctiveness, leading to high rejection risks. Blind registration is not recommended.
4. How to check whether your brand has been subject to trademark squatting?
① Fully search the brand name, English name and graphics via the CNIPA official website; ② Focus on high-demand classes such as Class 9, 25, 35 and 43; ③ Check prior applications, publication and registration records of third parties; ④ Verify competitor corporate registration records via QCC. If squatting is identified, you may file an opposition within the 3-month publication period or initiate rights protection afterwards.
5. Can I still register if a search finds similar trademarks?
Not recommended; there is a 99% chance of rejection. Only two exceptional scenarios may be attempted: the prior similar trademark has lapsed / been cancelled; or the classes are entirely different with no likelihood of consumer confusion. In all other cases, revise the name or design to avoid conflicts.
6. Is a search required when purchasing trademarks?
Mandatory. When buying trademarks, verify the validity period, genuine registration status, absence of pledge, freezing or non-use cancellation risks, no ownership disputes, and no associated similar trademarks, to avoid purchasing defective or invalid trademarks.
Trademark search is a low-cost, high-efficiency key step to lift registration success rates. Prioritize the official database to screen similarity risks, supplemented by third-party platforms for risk assessment. Avoid AI misjudgment, trademark similarity conflicts and blind applications to efficiently safeguard your brand trademark rights.
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