Complete 2026 Trademark Registration Process Guide: Steps, Fees, Timeline & Key Notes
When launching a business or building a brand, the most important step alongside completing company incorporation registration is applying for trademark registration! Many founders falsely assume that “completing company setup automatically protects the brand name,” which is a major misconception. In Taiwan, trademark rights adopt the “first-to-file principle.” Even if your company name is successfully registered, without registering a trademark with the Intellectual Property Office, Ministry of Economic Affairs (TIPO), your brand name can still be preemptively registered by others, leaving you vulnerable to infringement claims.
In this article, our team of professional tax and legal advisors breaks down the latest 2026 Taiwan trademark application process, search techniques, official fees, and key precautions to help you safeguard your core brand assets.
Crucial Preventive Concept: “Company Name Registration” and “Trademark Registration” fall under different governing authorities! Company registration only prevents duplicate corporate legal entity names; trademark registration secures exclusive rights to brand logos and names when used for product and service sales.
1. 5 Core Steps of 2026 Trademark Registration Application
Successfully acquiring trademark rights involves the following 5 standard phases:
Before submission, perform a search on the “TIPO Trademark Search System” to verify whether identical or similar trademarks are already registered under identical or related goods/services classes. This step effectively lowers the risk of rejection by TIPO.
Taiwan’s trademark system adopts the International Nice Classification, comprising 45 classes (Classes 1–34 for goods, Classes 35–45 for services). For example, dining businesses typically need to register under Class 43 (food and beverage services) and Class 35 (franchising/retail). Class selections must cover your company’s current operations and future expansion plans.
Compile the application form, trademark graphics (clear color or monochrome digital files), and applicant identity documents (Company Incorporation Approval Letter or individual ID). Submitting via TIPO’s “E-filing System” offers higher efficiency and discounted official filing fees.
TIPO examiners evaluate whether the mark possesses “distinctiveness,” whether it violates statutory prohibitions, and whether it collides with existing trademarks. Assuming no corrections or oppositions arise, examination takes an average of 4 to 6 months.
Upon receiving the “Notice of Approval,” pay the registration certificate fee within 2 months. TIPO will subsequently publish the registration and issue the physical Trademark Registration Certificate. Successful registration grants a 10-year term of exclusive trademark rights.
2. Trademark Registration Fees & Examination Timeline Breakdown
Primary official fees for trademark registration are collected by the Intellectual Property Office, MOEA, calculated based on the number of “Application Classes” and “Designated Goods/Services Items”:
| Fee / Item | Paper Application Amount | E-Filing Discounted Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Filing Fee (Per Class) | NT$ 3,000 / class | From NT$ 2,400 / class | Additional fees apply per item if designated goods exceed 20 items. |
| Registration Certificate Fee | NT$ 2,500 / class | NT$ 2,500 / class | Payable in full within 2 months of receiving the Notice of Approval. |
| Examination Timeline | Standard examination takes approx. 4–6 months | Processing times can be shortened via Fast-Track or Accelerated Examination mechanisms. | |
| Protection Term | 10 years starting from the publication date | Renewable unlimited times prior to the expiration of each 10-year term. | |
3. 4 Major Pitfalls & Precautions in Trademark Applications
1. Rejection Due to Lack of “Distinctiveness”
Using generic terms or direct product descriptions as a trademark (e.g., applying for “Sweet Apples” for selling apples, or “Aromatic Coffee” for a cafe) will be deemed lacking distinctiveness and fail examination.
2. “Missing Classes” Due to Overlooking Diverse Commercial Channels
Many brands start with physical stores and later expand to official e-commerce sites, online platforms, or peripheral products, only to find their brand coverage incomplete because they omitted Class 35 (online shopping/retail services) or related goods classes initially.
3. Applying Under Individual vs. Company Name?
If company incorporation is complete, applying under the “Corporate Entity Name” is recommended to facilitate corporate asset management and financing valuations. If the company is still in formation, file under an “Individual Name” first and handle a trademark transfer or amendment later.
4. Non-Use for 3 Consecutive Years After Obtaining Certificate
Under the Trademark Act, if a registered trademark is not used for 3 consecutive years without justifiable reasons, any party may apply to TIPO to revoke the mark. Always retain sales invoices, packaging, or marketing ads displaying the trademark graphic as proof of use.
4. Guan Yu CPA Firm ‧ Partnering with Enterprises to Build Complete IP & Tax Defenses
Building a brand is no easy task. From initial company incorporation registration and trademark IP layout to long-term bookkeeping, tax filing, and corporate tax planning, every stage is interconnected. Guan Yu CPA Firm is located in Central District, Taichung City, offering one-stop professional integrated services to help business owners establish solid regulatory and financial shields from day one.
Conclusion: A brand is an enterprise’s most valuable intangible asset! Completing trademark searches and strategy early ensures your business grows securely and achieves sustainable success in the market.
Ready to Build a Complete Tax and Asset Defense for Your Brand?
Schedule a consultation with Guan Yu CPA Firm today. Let our professional team provide end-to-end services for company setup, trademark advisory, and bookkeeping/tax filing.
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