Recently, a colleague asked Lao Yang (Putui Intellectual Property) for a paper trademark registration certificate—despite China’s National Intellectual Property Administration discontinuing all paper certificates since 2022, issuing only electronic certificates.
Scammers exploit this by:
Printing publicly available trademark records (e-registration certificates, preliminary announcements).
Mailing them to businesses via collect-on-delivery postage fees.
Charging high fees for worthless printouts—sometimes even including CDs.
Critical Notes:
Courts have ruled against such scams, and authorities have issued warnings.
E-commerce platforms universally accept electronic certificates.
If your trademark underwent changes/transfers:
Upload the original e-certificate + change/assignment proof.
For single-upload limits: merge documents into one image (e.g., collage).
Need a physical copy? Color-print the e-certificate—it’s legally valid.
Key Takeaway:
Verify all “trademark mail” digitally first. Never pay for unsolicited paper documents.