Do I Need a China Trademark Before I Talk to a Manufacturer?
A practical answer for foreign brands and product teams deciding whether China trademark action should come before supplier conversations.
A practical answer for foreign brands and product teams deciding whether China trademark action should come before supplier conversations.
Most foreign companies discover their China IP problem after it becomes a crisis. Peter Lin explains how the IP之道 framework — built around NNN agreements, trademark registration, and contract localisation — protects your supply chain before production starts.
My advice? Research 3-5 target sellers in your product category. Reach out with a tailored, value-first message (they care about profits & uniqueness). Protect your idea before sharing — especially in China’s first-to-file system. Be open to small trial orders to build trust. Think partnerships, not pitches.
Peter Lin co-authored IP之道 to bridge the gap between IP theory and real business strategy. Here's how that philosophy became China IP Gateway.