A missing Chinese trademark certificate does not automatically require a paid application. First distinguish an existing electronic copy, a formal CNIPA reissue, and an official trademark registration proof. These are different routes with different purposes.

1. Free copies for registrations handled by MY CNTM

For trademarks registered through MY CNTM, we permanently archive the electronic registration certificate. If you cannot find your copy, contact us with the registration number and identifying information. After confirming your authority to receive it, we will resend our archived electronic certificate free of charge. You do not need to buy our certificate reissue service for this.

This is our client document service, not a fresh application to CNIPA. Resending an existing PDF does not change the registration record or renew its term.

2. Formal reissue when the original certificate cannot be retrieved

A formal application may be appropriate when the former agent cannot be reached, the original electronic certificate is unavailable, or other retrieval routes have failed. We first check the available file and the document you actually need before recommending a paid application.

CNIPA no longer issues paper trademark registration certificates. Its electronic certificate policy applies to registration certificates generated from 1 January 2022, including formal reissues. A lost historical paper certificate is therefore not a promise of a new paper original. Printing the electronic certificate yourself does not turn the application into a paper-certificate service.

For a formal instruction, provide the trademark registration number, the classes concerned, current owner identification and the required power of attorney. If owner details have changed, we assess the appropriate change procedure separately. A reissue does not itself correct the owner record, revive an expired registration or extend its validity.

Our formal reissue charge is distinct from free resending of our archived certificate. For subsequent services, our pricing is per trademark, per class, including where one registration number covers several classes. The goods or services count does not create extra-item charges. Confirm the total and scope in the client portal or written quotation before instructing us.

3. An official trademark registration proof is a different document

Reissue of a Trademark Registration Certificate (补发商标注册证) and issuance of an official trademark registration proof (出具商标注册证明) are separate procedures. The latter is not simply another name for a replacement certificate or a free copy of a PDF.

CNIPA's domestic registration-proof service provides a document drawn from its trademark archives and bearing its special registration-proof seal. Madrid international registrations designating China have their own registration-proof procedure. Tell us the registration route, intended use and the receiving organisation's requirements so we can identify the appropriate procedure and confirm a separate quotation.

Replacement of a certificate of change, assignment or renewal (补发变转续证明) is another distinct service. Its catalogue entry must not be confused with issuance of a trademark registration proof.

Check the purpose before paying

A platform may accept the existing electronic registration certificate, while another recipient may ask for an official proof. A certificate also does not replace checking the current register for later changes or expiry. Send us the recipient's request and the registration number first.

A missing certificate does not automatically make formal reissue a prerequisite for renewal, assignment or another filing. We assess that filing's actual document requirements and deadline separately.

Frequently asked questions

Do existing MY CNTM clients pay to receive their archived certificate again?

No. For registrations handled by us, we permanently archive the electronic registration certificate and resend the archived copy free of charge after checking the requester's authority.

Will CNIPA replace my lost paper registration certificate with another paper original?

No. Registration certificates generated from 1 January 2022 are electronic. A formal reissue does not provide a new paper registration certificate.

What if my previous agent has disappeared?

We first investigate retrieval of the existing certificate. If it cannot be retrieved, we can assess a formal reissue application and confirm the fee before proceeding.

Is a registration proof the same as a reissued registration certificate?

No. Issuance of an official registration proof is a separate procedure. Explain the intended use so we can confirm the document required, application route and quotation.

Official sources and related guidance