Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Goods definition

What does Goods mean? In legal practice, goods are tangible, movable items that are bought, sold, supplied or hired under commercial or consumer contracts. Across the UK and Ireland, legislation defines the term: the Sale of Goods Act 1979 (England & Wales and Scotland), the Sale of Goods Act (Northern Ireland) 1979, and in Ireland the Sale of Goods Act 1893 as amended by the 1980 Act. Broadly, goods comprise all personal chattels (in Scotland, all corporeal moveables) other than money and things in action. The statutory definition includes emblements and industrial growing crops, and items attached to or forming part of land...

Protecting trade marks in China: first-to-file registration strategies, Chinese-language equivalents, tackling bad-faith registrations, evidence standards, and administrative, customs, civil and criminal enforcement options

Published by a LexisNexis IP expert

Practice notes

Introduction

Safeguarding a trade mark in China enables a business to build a brand and reputation within the world’s second largest economy. This supports customer growth and helps ensure no one else uses their name to sell Goods or services without permission. China operates a ‘first-to-file’ system, meaning the earliest filer is entitled to register the mark, so timing is critical. In practice, legal protection can be lost if an identical or similar trade mark has already been entered on China’s register before your filing. Consequently, it is crucial to register a trade mark in China at the first available moment. Chinese law does provide bases to oppose an application or to invalidate a registered trade mark where appropriate. Nevertheless, filing first is generally the least costly and most effective way to secure a mark and avoid disputes. Challenging earlier filings later can be time-consuming and uncertain, compared with prompt registration. Act early to minimise risk. It is also possible to enforce unregistered trade mark rights in China through unfair competition law, but this route is often less effective than relying on a registered trade mark right.

Registering your trade mark

National and international registration systems

A trade mark may...

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Louisa Dixon

Louisa is a Partner in the Intellectual Property group at Mishcon, specialising in international brand protection and enforcement. She supports clients through all stages of the IP lifecycle, from IP audits and strategy development, through to clearance, registration, enforcement and licensing.Known for her strong Technology practice, Louisa has a wealth of experience in protecting brands in the software and life sciences sectors, and has particular expertise in developing effective brand protection strategies for high-growth technology companies. She is recognised for devising effective strategies for appropriately managing risk and is skilled at managing and translating local counsel advice across multiple jurisdictions. She also represents clients in oppositions before the UK IPO, as well as coordinating multi-jurisdictional enforcement matters around the world.Louisa is ranked as a Leading Individual in the Legal 500 and as a recommended expert in the World Trademark Review's WTR 1000 World's...

Laura Aldridge

Mishcon de Reya

Laura Aldridge is a Managing Associate in the Brands Team at Mishcon with 10 years' trade mark experience. She joined the firm as part of the merger with Taylor Vinters in January 2023. She advises on all aspects of brand protection, from clearance, filing and registration through to maintenance and enforcement. She has particular experience advising on clearance and filing strategies and resolving objections during prosecution, working with local counsel to provide tailored advice across multiple markets. Laura works regularly with charity, social venture, start-up and growth clients and understands the need to provide pragmatic and cost-effective advice and solutions. ...

Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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