In a crowded Registry like the Chinese one, the forfeiture action for non-use has been a relatively cheap tool to open the way to the registration of new trademarks, often rejected due to the presence of prior signs considered similar also for the subclass system adopted by the Chinese Office (CNIPA). The latter, however, is making the of the action more difficult. From 2025, CNIPA asks the plaintiff to explain the reasons for the action; for details of the owner of the prior mark; for extract from Company Registers, and also on-line searches about the use of the sign to be cancelled. All this will lead to an increase in costs and a greater risk that the actions will not be accepted, without prejudice to the fact that it is the owner who will have to demonstrate having used the sign in the last three years for the claimed products.
