China Accepts Both

Since April 2014, China has accepted multi-class trademark applications — a single application covering multiple classes of goods or services. However, many experienced practitioners still prefer single-class filings. Here's why.

Single-Class Applications

Advantages

• Independent examination: Each application is examined separately. A rejection in one class does not affect other classes or delay their examination.
• Faster prosecution: Straightforward single-class applications often move through examination faster.
• Independent licensing: Easier to license or assign individual classes to different parties.
• Lower risk of complete rejection: If you lose one application, you don't lose all classes.

Disadvantages

• Higher agent fees: You pay agent fees for each application filed.
• Multiple filing receipts: More paperwork and tracking.
• Slightly higher official fee total: The multi-class discount is minimal but real.

Multi-Class Applications

Advantages

• Lower official fees: Base fee covers the first class; additional classes cost about half the base fee. For 5+ classes, savings add up.
• Administrative simplicity: One filing date, one application number, one renewal deadline to track.
• Consistent brand coverage: All classes in one filing demonstrate comprehensive brand strategy.

Disadvantages

• Linked fate on procedural issues: A formal deficiency can delay the entire application.
• Complex amendments: Changing goods/services in one class requires amending the entire application.
• Opposition risk: An opposition against any class can delay the entire application, even for uncontested classes.

Strategic Recommendation

Use single-class for core classes (your primary business): If Class 9, 25, or 35 is critical to your business, file them separately. The isolation protects your most valuable registrations.

Use multi-class for defensive filings (supplementary classes): Classes you want covered but aren't mission-critical can be bundled for cost efficiency.

Consider your budget: If tight, multi-class gives more coverage for the same money. If budget allows, single-class offers more control.

Hybrid Approach

Many sophisticated filers use a hybrid: single-class for Classes 9, 25, 35, and 42 (core tech/retail), and a multi-class application for Classes 16, 18, 21, 28, and 41 (supplementary). This balances cost, risk, and speed.