For Brand Founders
Protect your brand
before China sourcing
For beauty, fashion, and consumer brands working with China suppliers.
Start with the path that fits your stage.
Recommended first step
Start China Brand Lock Review
For founders who want to understand China trademark risk, Chinese brand name issues, and what to file first — before production begins.
Before sharing files
Get the China Supplier Protection Checklist
A practical checklist for founders about to send tech packs, packaging files, or product specs to China manufacturers.
Already have questions?
Talk to Peter
For brands with specific questions about China trademark, NNN agreements, supplier contracts, or factory-side risk at any stage.
Most founders start with a quick review or the supplier checklist before moving to filing or agreements.
Context
Who this page is for
This page is especially useful if you are:
- speaking with China suppliers for the first time;
- preparing to send product files, packaging files, or tech packs;
- unsure whether China trademark should come before sourcing;
- considering a Chinese brand name; or
- trying to reduce supplier-side copycat and contract risk early.
Next Step
What happens next
Choose the path that fits your stage.
If you start with the Brand Lock Review, we help you understand what to protect first.
If you request the checklist, you get a practical starting point before sharing with suppliers.
If you contact Peter directly, we can help you determine whether the next step is China trademark filing, an NNN agreement, or a supplier-side protection plan.
What we see regularly
Common early mistakes
Sharing files before trademark planning starts
Sending packaging specs, product files, or tech packs before any trademark work is one of the most common ways brand exposure quietly builds up.
Starting supplier talks before the NNN is signed
Many founders assume a verbal agreement or an NDA is enough. In China, an NNN Agreement — covering non-disclosure, non-use, and non-circumvention — is what actually holds.
Leaving the Chinese brand name question too late
If you plan to sell or source in China, the Chinese-character version of your brand name may matter more than you expect — and if you don't register it, someone else can.
Why it matters
Why this matters
Many founders think about trademarks too late — after supplier discussions have already started.
In practice, China trademark issues, Chinese brand name issues, packaging misuse, and supplier-side copying risk often appear earlier than expected.
This page is here to help you take the first practical step before those problems grow.
Quick answers
Quick answers before you start
Do I need a China trademark before I start sourcing?
Not necessarily before the first call — but sooner than most founders expect. China is a first-to-file country: whoever files first owns the mark. If supplier discussions have already started, the risk window is likely open.
Should I sign an NNN before sending files?
Yes, in most cases. Sending product files or packaging specs before signing an NNN creates real exposure. An NNN covers non-disclosure, non-use, and non-circumvention — and it should be in place before files are shared.
What if I am not ready for a full agreement yet?
Start with the checklist or a short Brand Lock Review. You don't need to commit to filing or drafting agreements immediately. The first step is understanding your actual risk level at your current stage.
Practical Resource
Request the China Supplier Protection Checklist
A practical checklist covering files, signing steps, brand risks, and supplier-side protection points.
Leave your name and email and we will send it directly. No spam.
Ready when you are
Not sure where to begin?
We can help you decide whether the next step is China trademark filing, a supplier checklist, or a China-side agreement.
Talk to PeterA practical first conversation for brands working with China suppliers.