Contents
Introduction：
While registering a trademark in China offers foreign companies the opportunity to expand their market presence, it also comes with unique challenges. One of the most concerning risks is the misuse of trademark information, which becomes public as part of the registration process. Following trademark registration in China, foreign companies are often exposed to hacker email scams, including domain purchase fraud, fake trademark services, and other deceptive schemes. This article analyzes the causes of information misuse and provides practical strategies to help foreign companies effectively prevent hacker emails scams following trademark in China.
What is the Following Trademark in China for foreigners?
- Personal Identity Applications: If the foreigner’s application is made under an individual’s name (e.g., using a Chinese or English personal name), fraudulent emails are less likely to occur. This is because personal names lack direct commercial association with trademarks and are generally less valuable for exploitation.
- Corporate Identity Applications: When a foreign company acts as the applicant, its company name is closely tied to the trademark’s commercial identity. Once the information becomes publicly accessible after registration, it is more likely to be misused by third parties.
The Following China Trademark Registration and Information Misuse
An official trademark agency in China is an institution authorized and accredited by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) to assist clients in submitting and managing trademark applications. According to Chinese law, foreign individuals or companies must work through such an agency to register trademarks in China. This process requires applicants to provide authorization via a Power of Attorney (POA).
However, even when foreign companies follow legitimate application procedures, their information may still be publicly disclosed or misused for the following reasons:
1. Public Disclosure of Foreign Company Information
When submitting a trademark application in China, CNIPA requires foreign applicants to provide their company name in English and its corresponding Chinese translation. This information becomes part of the public record after submission and may be accessed or exploited by third parties without the applicant’s explicit consent.
2. Why Is This Information Publicly Accessible?
Under Chinese trademark law, basic applicant information is recorded in the trademark database and made available for public search. While this ensures transparency and facilitates legitimate queries, it also creates opportunities for malicious actors to monitor and exploit this data.
How Foreign Companies Can Prevent Information Misuse After Trademark Registration
The misuse of trademark information by third parties is often a result of the transparency of China’s trademark registration process. Although CNIPA imposes restrictions on data disclosure, advancements in technology enable malicious actors to scrape or monitor updates to trademark databases, targeting specific companies for fraudulent schemes.
1. Background on Foreign Companies Preventing Information Issues After Trademark Registration
Chinese trademark law requires basic registration details—such as the applicant’s name and trademark category—to be publicly searchable. While this transparency aims to ensure fairness, it also leaves foreign companies vulnerable to exploitation. For instance, fraudsters can use simple search queries to link trademark applicants with their companies, then tailor scams accordingly.
2. Why does the information of these foreign companies become publicly accessible?
The development of data scraping and monitoring tools has made it easier for hackers to collect large volumes of trademark data. These tools enable fraudsters to obtain sensitive details, such as applicant names, contact information, and trademark descriptions. This lowers the cost and effort required to send targeted fraudulent emails, significantly increasing risks for foreign companies.
Common Forms of Hacker Email Scams and Prevention Strategies in China
Foreign companies frequently receive fraudulent emails following trademark registration. These emails exploit the association between the trademark and applicant information, often impersonating official organizations or creating a sense of urgency to mislead recipients. Below are common types of scams and strategies for prevention:
1. Domain-Related Fraud：
Example: A foreign company receives an email claiming to be from a “partner of an official agency,” urging them to purchase a “.cn” domain. The email emphasizes urgency, warning that failure to act may result in the domain being registered by others, potentially harming the brand.
Prevention Strategies:
- Before submitting a trademark application, verify whether related domain names are already registered.
- Use official websites or trusted channels to confirm the legitimacy of domain name providers.
2. Fraudulent Service Promotions:
Common Tactics: Fraudsters may recommend unnecessary services, such as applying for additional trademark categories, registering trademarks in other countries, or purchasing fake trademark protection services. They may also promote copyright registrations under the guise of “brand protection.”
Prevention Strategies:
- Consult accredited trademark agencies to assess actual needs and avoid unnecessary expenses.
- Be cautious of promotional emails from unverified sources.
3. Impersonation of Official Agencies
Example: A company receives an email from someone claiming to be a “partner” of their trademark agency, requesting additional materials or payment to continue the registration process.
Prevention Strategies:
- Verify Agency Accreditation: Confirm whether the agent is part of a CNIPA-accredited trademark agency. Collaborating with accredited agencies ensures compliance and avoids unnecessary risks.
- Check Sender Authenticity: Verify the email address of any sender. Official agencies typically use recognizable corporate domains (e.g.,
xxx@gwbma.com). Be wary of suspicious or unfamiliar email addresses. - Contact Authorized Agencies Directly: For requests involving payment or additional materials, contact the authorized trademark agency directly through official channels to confirm the authenticity of the request.
4. Professional Solutions from GWBMA
As a CNIPA-certified official trademark agency, GWBMA offers comprehensive services to foreign clients. Our team ensures that your trademark applications meet legal requirements while protecting your brand from hacker email scams and other risks. With GWBMA, foreign companies can focus on business expansion without worrying about fraudulent activities.
Conclusion:
The frequent occurrence of hacker email scams highlights the importance of information security after trademark registration in China. By working with accredited trademark agencies, strengthening internal information protection mechanisms, and staying vigilant against fraudulent schemes, foreign companies can significantly reduce risks.
At GWBMA, we are dedicated to providing professional trademark agency services and assisting foreign companies in building robust risk prevention systems. By partnering with us, you can confidently navigate the Chinese market and ensure that every step of your brand’s development is secure and sustainable.
