Hong Kong Trademark Application Fees
The application fee to register a trademark in Hong Kong is HK$2,000. This fee covers the registration of a single trademark in one class of goods or services. An additional fee of HK$1,000 is payable for each additional class of goods or services. Payment can be made by Octopus card, cash or cheque payable to The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Payment by credit card is only available for applications submitted through IPD e-filing system. For details, please visit efiling.ipd.gov.hk.
Applicants can submit their application with fees to Trade Marks Registry, Intellectual Property Department, 24/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queens Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong by post or in person. The opening hours are 9⁚00 a;m. ‒ 5⁚45 p.m. (Monday to Friday). Alternatively, applications can be submitted electronically through IPD e-filing system.
Overview of Fees
Trademark registration fees in Hong Kong are structured to cover the various stages of the application and renewal process. The primary fees are associated with the initial application, including the base fee for registering a trademark in one class of goods or services, and additional fees for each subsequent class. Renewal fees are payable to maintain the trademark registration for a further ten-year period. Late payment fees may apply if the renewal is not submitted within the stipulated timeframe. It is essential to understand these fees to budget effectively for trademark protection in Hong Kong.
The fees are set by the Intellectual Property Department (IPD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government. The IPD manages the Trade Marks Registry and is responsible for processing trademark applications and renewals. The fees are subject to change, and it is advisable to consult the IPD website or a qualified intellectual property professional for the latest fee schedule.
In addition to official government fees, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining legal advice, conducting trademark searches, and preparing and filing the application. These costs can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the experience and expertise of the professional providing the services. It is recommended to obtain quotes from multiple professionals to compare pricing and scope of services.
Application Fees
The application fee for registering a trademark in Hong Kong is HK$2,000. This fee applies to the registration of a single trademark in one class of goods or services. For instance, if you are seeking to register a trademark for clothing, you would pay HK$2,000. However, if you intend to register the same trademark for both clothing and footwear, you would need to pay an additional HK$1,000 for each additional class, bringing the total fee to HK$4,000.
The application fee is payable to The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Payment can be made using various methods, including Octopus card, cash, or cheque. Alternatively, applicants can utilize the IPD e-filing system, which allows for payment by credit card. The IPD e-filing system is available on the website efiling.ipd.gov.hk.
It is important to note that while the application fee is a significant cost, it is only one aspect of the overall expenses associated with trademark registration. Additional costs may be incurred for services like trademark searches, legal advice, and the preparation of the application documents. These costs can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the expertise of the professionals involved. Therefore, it is essential to factor in these additional expenses when budgeting for trademark registration in Hong Kong.
Additional Class Fees
In Hong Kong, trademark registration fees are structured based on the number of classes of goods or services for which the trademark is being registered. While the initial application fee for one class is HK$2,000, an additional fee of HK$1,000 is payable for each subsequent class included in the application. This means that if a trademark is intended for use across multiple product categories, the total fee will increase proportionally.
For example, a company seeking to register a trademark for both clothing and footwear would need to pay HK$4,000⁚ the initial HK$2,000 for the first class (clothing) plus an additional HK$1,000 for the second class (footwear). This fee structure encourages businesses to carefully consider the scope of their trademark protection needs and to apply for registration in the classes most relevant to their operations.
The additional class fees are payable alongside the initial application fee; Payment options include Octopus card, cash, cheque, or credit card payment through the IPD e-filing system. The IPD e-filing system is accessible on the website efiling.ipd.gov.hk. Applicants are strongly advised to accurately identify the relevant classes for their trademark prior to filing the application to avoid unnecessary additional costs;
Renewal Fees
In Hong Kong, trademark registrations have a validity period of ten years from the date of application. To maintain the protection afforded by the trademark registration, renewal fees must be paid before the expiry date. The renewal fees are payable to the Intellectual Property Department (IPD) and cover the cost of extending the registration for another ten years. Failure to pay the renewal fees before the expiry date will result in the lapse of the trademark registration, potentially leaving the trademark vulnerable to use by others.
The renewal fee for a trademark registration in Hong Kong is HK$2,670 for the first class and HK$1,340 for each additional class included in the registration. For example, a trademark registration covering two classes would incur a renewal fee of HK$4,350 (HK$2,670 for the first class + HK$1,340 for the second class). The renewal fee can be paid through various methods, including Octopus card, cash, cheque, or credit card payment through the IPD e-filing system. The IPD e-filing system is accessible on the website efiling.ipd.gov.hk.
It is crucial to plan for the renewal of trademark registrations in Hong Kong to ensure continuous protection. The IPD sends renewal notices to registered trademark owners, providing a grace period for payment. However, if the renewal fees are not paid within the grace period, a late payment fee of HK$500 will be imposed. It is advisable to set reminders to ensure that renewal fees are paid promptly, avoiding potential complications and the risk of trademark lapse.
Late Payment Fees
In Hong Kong, the timely payment of trademark fees is crucial to maintain the validity of a registration. While the Intellectual Property Department (IPD) allows for a grace period after the due date, late payment fees apply if the fees are not submitted within that period. These late payment fees are intended to incentivize timely payment and ensure the efficient administration of the trademark system.
The late payment fee for trademark renewal in Hong Kong is HK$500. This fee is payable in addition to the standard renewal fee. For example, if the renewal fee for a trademark registration is HK$4,350, and the renewal is submitted late, the total payable amount would be HK$4,850 (HK$4,350 renewal fee + HK$500 late payment fee). The late payment fee applies regardless of the number of classes covered by the trademark registration.
While the late payment fee is a significant additional expense, it is important to note that late payment can have more severe consequences. If the renewal fees and late payment fees are not submitted within the grace period, the trademark registration may lapse. This lapse can result in the loss of exclusive rights to the trademark, potentially allowing others to use and register the trademark. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize timely payment of trademark fees to avoid late payment fees and the potential loss of valuable trademark rights.
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