Direct answer
A clearance search is a structured risk review before choosing and filing a mark. Start with official China trademark records, but do not treat an empty result as legal clearance. Similarity, earlier rights and the exact goods or services require human assessment; a newly filed matter or another right may not be captured by one search.
Define the search question
Write down the exact word, logo and Chinese variants to be used. Identify the applicant and the goods or services, then search potentially similar signs in relevant classes and descriptions. The current Trademark Law addresses conflicts with prior registered or preliminarily approved marks for the same or similar goods, and also protects certain earlier rights. A search should therefore compare the commercial context, not only exact spelling.
Use the official China trademark search entry linked through the CNIPA public-service guide. Save the query, date, mark version, classes and result identifiers. Do not present a screenshot of “no match” as proof that the mark is registrable or free to use. Record uncertainties such as transliteration, visual similarity, related goods and unpublished applications.
Turn results into a decision
Sort potential conflicts by the sign, goods or services, owner and status. A professional reviewer can decide whether a conflict calls for a modified mark, a narrower specification, additional research or a different commercial plan. Keep the decision and its date with the launch materials. If the mark is already in use or a third party has contacted the company, the review should include that evidence; do not rely on a generic search article to answer a dispute.
A successful filing still does not guarantee use is risk-free. Clearance and registration examination are related but distinct exercises.
Official sources and scope
As checked on 2 November 2026, the 2019-amended Trademark Law is the current statutory text. The 2026 revised Trademark Law has been enacted but takes effect on 1 January 2027. A matter crossing that date needs a separate check of the applicable rule and any final implementing measures. This article is ChanYond’s independent explanation of public sources, not an official CNIPA statement or advice on a specific mark.
Source check: 2 November 2026. This guide contains no claim of approval, timing or fee for an individual application.
Primary official links for this topic (checked 2 November 2026): CNIPA public-service guide; 2019-amended Trademark Law.