Still Expecting a Paper Trademark Certificate? Don’t Get Scammed!

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.