Trademark Registration of Hong Kong Service Total : HK$8,000 (1 free search included) If the application is unsuccessful, there is a HK$2,000 refundable deposit. Advantage Trademarks are becoming important assets of business today; it would not only increase the goodwill of a business, but also brings a better profit with the promotion of business from the trademark. For that reason, it is important to register your trademark for the business to ensure the knowledge and property rights of the trademark are fully protected. The owner of a registered trademark may commence legal proceedings for trademark infringement to prevent unauthorized use of that trademark. The legal actions would then allow the applicant to stop the tort on the trademark with also a possible compensation. Therefore, the best way to protect the goodwill of your business is to register a trademark. Application Procedure 1. Pre-filing Trademark Search : The trademark registration is basically run on a “first-serve” basis. Therefore, an application would not be easily accepted if it containing words/figures that have already been registered in other trademarks. In order to simplify the process, the applicant is required to prepare 5 sets of sample (9cm x 9cm) for a registration search by the tentative opinions or suggested modifications on the samples. Once the sample of the trademark is confirmed, the application can then proceed. 2. Application : A report will be returned from the Trade Marks Registry within 2-3 months after the submission of application. The restricted items will be clearly shown in the report. 3. Posting on the gazette : Once the application has been accepted by the Trade Marks Registry, it will be published in the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Journal for 3 months. Within this 3 months period, anyone can view your trademark and may lodge opposition to it. If no objection is raised within the prescribed time period, then an application can be filed for registration certificate. Remarks The first installment of this service should be paid before the commencement of the trademarks search with no refund under any circumstances. A second search will be provided if the first trademark search is not accepted. A cost of $1,000 search is required for search over 1 time. The Service Charge is applicable for registration of 1 classification only. An extra cost of $1,500 will be levied to applicant for each additional classification chosen. A registered trademark is valid for 10 years from the date of registration and can be renewed for a further period of 10 years once it is expired. License Renewal Fee Annual Fee HK$4,500 (Renewal Service Fee: $1,500 & Renewal of Registration (Government Fee)$3,000, Additional fee $1,500 will apply for extra “Class”.) Remarks Registration certificates issued after 1st April 2003 is valid for 10 years while renewal of registration would apply for another 10 years’ period. Applications for registration renewal must be filed 6 months prior to the due day of the valid license period, or a penalty of $500 applies. Restoration fee of $4,000 must be paid for late renewal payments over 6 months ($1,500 per additional class), or the registered trade mark will have to re-apply all over again. The fees stated above are quoted for current year only, we reserve the right to make any modification at any time when deemed necessary.