The Complete Guide to Hong Kong Trademark Registration | Process, Fees & Key Considerations

This guide covers the latest 2026 trademark registration process, including application steps, official fees, required documents, timeline, and key considerations. Understanding the registration process before filing can significantly improve your chances of success and help protect your brand.

Why Register a Trademark?

In today's competitive market, registering a trademark gives your business the exclusive legal right to use your brand name, logo, slogan, or other distinctive marks. Once registered with the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department (IPD), unauthorized use by others may constitute trademark infringement. Failing to register early may allow third parties to exploit your brand, leading to customer confusion, reputational damage, and loss of business opportunities.

Benefits of Trademark Registration:

• Legal Protection – Obtain exclusive rights and prevent others from copying or using your trademark.

• Build Brand Trust – Strengthen customer recognition and confidence in your business.

• Increase Business Value – Your trademark can be licensed, assigned, or sold as a valuable business asset.

• Support International Expansion – Trademark registration is often the first step before entering overseas markets.

A trademark is more than just a brand identifier—it is an important intellectual property asset. As of 30 June 2025, there were over 497,300 active trademark registrations in Hong Kong, reflecting the growing importance of brand protection.

Hong Kong Trademark Registration Process

Step 1 – Conduct a Trademark Search

Before submitting your application, it is highly recommended to conduct a trademark search to determine whether your proposed trademark is identical or similar to any existing registered or pending trademarks. Doing so can significantly reduce the risk of refusal due to similarity and gives you the opportunity to revise your trademark before filing, thereby improving the chances of successful registration. Trademark searches can be conducted through various channels, including the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department's (IPD) eSearch database, trademark agents, law firms, and international trademark databases covering multiple jurisdictions.

Step 2 – Submit Your Application

Once you have decided on the trademark you wish to register, you will need to prepare the required documents, including the trademark logo, the applicant's details, the designated trademark class(es), and a specification of the goods and/or services, before paying the official filing fee. Applications may be submitted online through the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department (IPD)'s e-Filing System or by post. If you appoint a trademark agent or lawyer, they can also assist in preparing a clear and accurate specification to maximize the scope of protection.

⚠️ Be sure to select the correct trademark class under the Nice Classification. Choosing the wrong class may significantly limit the legal protection of your trademark, so always ensure your products or services are classified correctly before filing.

⚠️ A logo is optional. You may register a word mark without submitting a logo. If you choose to file a logo, it should meet the following requirements:

• Accepted formats - BMP, GIF, JPEG (recommended), PNG

• Image size - Each side between 100–2,000 pixels

• Minimum total pixels - 200,000

• Resolution - The width and height should use the same DPI.

Step 3 – Official Examination

After your application is filed, the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department (IPD) will conduct both a formal and substantive examination. The formal examination checks that all required documents are complete and properly filed, while the substantive examination assesses whether the trademark meets the legal requirements for registration, including distinctiveness, compliance with the Trade Marks Ordinance, and whether it is misleading. If any issues arise, the IPD will issue an Office Action, giving the applicant an opportunity to respond or amend the application within the specified deadline.

Step 4 – Publication

If the application passes examination, the trademark will be published in the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Journal for a 3-month opposition period. During this time, any third party who believes the trademark conflicts with their rights may file an opposition. If no opposition is filed, or if the opposition is successfully resolved in the applicant's favour, the application will proceed to registration.

Step 5 – Registration Certificate

Once the publication period expires without objection, the IPD will register the trademark and issue a Trademark Registration Certificate. A registered trademark is protected in Hong Kong for 10 years from the filing date and may be renewed indefinitely for further 10-year periods. After registration, you may legally use the ® symbol on your products, packaging, website and marketing materials.

Trademark Registration Timeline

📌 As the registration process takes several months, businesses are encouraged to file their applications as early as possible to prevent others from registering their brand first. Once an application has been successfully filed and no obvious issues exist, you may generally begin using the ™ symbol, although this does not mean the trademark has been registered.

Do not use the ® symbol until your trademark has been officially registered. Under Section 71 of the Trade Marks Ordinance (Cap. 559), falsely representing an unregistered trademark as registered is an offence punishable by a fine of up to HK$100,000 and six months' imprisonment.

Should You Register a Trademark Under a Company or an Individual?

This is a common question for startups. If the trademark is intended for business use, it is generally recommended that it be registered in the company's name. This ensures the trademark forms part of the company's assets and provides greater flexibility if the business is sold, financed, or undergoes changes in ownership.

Although trademarks can also be registered in an individual's name, ownership disputes may arise if the business structure changes or additional shareholders become involved. Therefore, where a company has already been established, it is generally advisable for the company to be the applicant.

Company vs Individual Ownership

Why Are Trademark Applications Refused?

Trademark refusals in Hong Kong generally fall into two categories:

Absolute Grounds

• Lacks distinctiveness (e.g. merely descriptive of the goods or services);

• Merely describes the characteristics, quantity or other attributes of the goods or services;

• Consists of words or symbols commonly used in the relevant trade;

• Contains prohibited signs or symbols (e.g. national flags or government emblems);

• Is contrary to law or public morality, or is likely to mislead consumers.

Therefore, avoid using the following types of words in your trademark:

✘ Country or geographical names: e.g. "Hong Kong", "China", "USA"

✘ Descriptive adjectives: e.g. "Best", "Fast", "Premium"

✘ Industry-related terms: e.g. "Technology", "Food", "Fashion"

✘ Offensive or inappropriate language

Relative Grounds

• The trademark is identical or confusingly similar to an earlier registered trademark (whether in its wording, device, pronunciation or meaning);

• It is likely to cause consumer confusion in relation to identical or similar goods or services.

How to Respond to a Trademark Refusal

If your trademark application is refused, the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department (IPD) will issue a written notice explaining the reasons for refusal, whether based on absolute grounds or relative grounds.

Applicants may take the following actions:

1. Review the refusal: Carefully examine the official notice to identify the grounds for refusal.

2. Prepare supporting evidence: Submit additional evidence, such as proof of long-term use, consumer recognition, advertisements or marketing materials, to demonstrate distinctiveness or the absence of consumer confusion.

3. Amend the application: Where appropriate, revise the trademark, its specification of goods or services, or file a new application.

4. Seek professional advice: Consult a trademark lawyer or agent if you are unsure how to respond or wish to improve the chances of a successful registration.

Taking the appropriate steps can help address the objections and maximize the likelihood of obtaining trademark registration.

How Much Does Hong Kong Trademark Registration Cost?

Official Fees

Trademark search: HK$400–800

Trademark filing: HK$2,000 for the first class; HK$1,000 for each additional class

A registered trademark remains valid for 10 years, and renewal should be filed six months before expiry.

If you engage a professional trademark agent, the total cost (including official fees) typically starts from HK$3,000–8,000.

File Yourself vs Use a Trademark Agent?

🎯Conclusion: Although trademark applications can be filed independently, many businesses choose to engage professional agents to improve efficiency and reduce the risk of refusal. An experienced agent can prepare accurate specifications, monitor the application, respond to official correspondence, and advise on the best strategy throughout the registration process. Much like hiring a professional for property renovation or immigration applications, expert assistance often saves time, reduces risks, and helps avoid costly mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is an unregistered trademark protected?

Hong Kong recognizes trademark rights arising from use under the common law of passing off. However, if another party files first, you may need substantial evidence proving prior use, which can be costly and time-consuming. Registering your trademark before launching your brand remains the safest option.

Q2. How many classes can I register?

You may register multiple classes in a single application, with an additional fee payable for each class. However, filing more than 10 classes in one application may result in additional examination and the IPD may request evidence of your intention to use the trademark.

Q3. Can I change my trademark after registration?

No. Any material change to the trademark, including its name or logo, requires a new trademark application.

Q4. What are the most common reasons for refusal?

Applications are commonly refused because the trademark is too similar to an earlier registration, lacks distinctiveness, is merely descriptive, or contains prohibited or offensive terms.

Protect Your Brand with Trademark Registration

Whether you are a startup, an SME, or a business planning to expand internationally, trademark registration is one of the most effective ways to protect your brand and secure your intellectual property. As the registration process typically takes six months to one year, it is advisable to file your application as early as possible.

Book a free trademark search today and let our trademark specialists assess your registration risks and help protect your brand with confidence.