China Extends Trade Mark E-filing Hours to 10 PM Daily

The Trademark Office of the China National Intellectual Property Administration has announced that effective 1 February 2026, the submission window for online trade mark filing services will be extended.

Following the adjustment, the system's operational hours will shift from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Query functions will remain accessible around the clock.

The Office has stated that this change aims to address trade mark service demands from business entities and various sectors of society while optimizing the business environment.

The operating hours of the online trade mark filing system are a concern for right holders and practitioners. This extension offers more flexibility for urgent filings and meeting statutory deadlines, particularly accommodating international business needs across different time zones.

Some practitioners had hoped for round-the-clock submission capabilities. However, achieving this goal presents complex technical and operational challenges due to the need to process massive data volumes while ensuring system security and stability, making it unlikely in the near term.

This service extension represents a concrete measure by the competent authority to address societal needs and refine service details, and it has been widely welcomed.