Why register a trademark in Hong Kong?
A registered trademark is a legal asset. It gives you exclusive rights to your brand in Hong Kong and significantly strengthens your position across Asia.
Once registered, no other business can legally use your trademark in Hong Kong for the same or similar goods and services. You gain the legal right to stop infringers and counterfeiters.
Without a registered trademark, competitors can use confusingly similar names without legal consequences. Registration puts your brand on the public record as a deterrent and gives you grounds to file complaints with Customs.
A registered trademark can be licensed to third parties — franchisees, distributors, or partners — generating royalty income. The trademark becomes a tangible commercial asset on your balance sheet.
Hong Kong trademark registration provides a strategic stepping stone for filing in mainland China via CNIPA. Hong Kong and China are both members of the Paris Convention, enabling priority filing within 6 months.
Registered trademark holders can file takedowns on Amazon, Alibaba, Lazada, and other platforms. Without registration, these platforms typically cannot act. Registration is required for Amazon Brand Registry.
Investors and corporate banks treat registered IP as proof of business seriousness. A trademark on the register signals a structured brand strategy and increases the perceived value of your business.
Types of trademarks you can register in Hong Kong
The Trade Marks Ordinance Cap. 559 allows registration of several types of marks. Understanding the difference helps you protect your brand at the right level.
Protects the text of your brand name in any font, style, or color. The strongest form of protection because it covers all visual representations of the word(s). If you have a brand name, start here.
Protects a logo or design element without any text — pure imagery. Used when your brand identity is visual-first: an icon, symbol, or distinctive graphic that identifies your products or services.
Protects a specific combination of text and logo together in a defined design. The protection covers that particular visual combination. Most brands register both a word mark and a combined mark for maximum coverage.
For most businesses, we recommend registering a word mark first. This gives you the broadest protection for your brand name regardless of how it is displayed. Add a figurative or combined mark registration as a second step once your visual identity is finalized.
Nice Classification: what class do you need?
Hong Kong uses the international Nice Classification system (11th edition). Trademarks are registered per class — you must specify which class(es) cover your goods or services. Each class is priced separately.
Tell us your business type and we will identify the correct Nice classes for your application — at no extra charge. Getting the class wrong can invalidate your protection.
Common classes — click to expand each one:
From application to registration — approximately 12 months
The Hong Kong trademark registration process follows a defined legal timeline. HEVEA HK handles every step and keeps you informed of all developments.
We conduct a comprehensive search of the Hong Kong Trade Marks Register to identify any conflicting marks before filing. This avoids wasted fees and rejection.
We prepare and file the trademark application with the Intellectual Property Department (IPD). You receive a filing date — this is your priority date.
The IPD examines the application for compliance and conflicts. If accepted, the mark is published in the Trade Marks Journal for a 3-month opposition period.
If no opposition is filed, the trademark is registered and a Certificate of Registration is issued. Protection lasts 10 years from the filing date, renewable indefinitely.
Benefits of Hong Kong trademark registration
Renewable indefinitely every 10 years — protection for the life of your brand.
Use the HK filing date as priority for applications in 180+ Paris Convention countries within 6 months.
Sue infringers in Hong Kong courts for damages and injunctions. Registration is proof of ownership.
Record your trademark with Hong Kong Customs to intercept counterfeit goods at the border.
License your trademark to generate royalty income from partners, distributors, and franchisees.
Display the registered trademark symbol legally — a powerful deterrent against infringement.
Registered IP increases your business valuation for funding rounds, M&A, and investor due diligence.
A registered trademark is required to enroll in Amazon Brand Registry and protect your listings.
Transparent trademark registration fees
All fees include our professional service charge, government filing fees, and IP search. No hidden costs.
- Trademark availability search
- Application filing with IPD
- Government fees included
- Progress tracking updates
- Certificate delivery
- All single-class inclusions
- Volume discount per class
- Class strategy consultation
- Coordinated filing timeline
Renewal fees (at 10-year mark): $690 per class. Response to examination objections: $490 per response.