China uses the international Nice Classification system but uniquely subdivides each main class into rigid trademark subclasses, meaning products in different subclasses are treated as completely dissimilar by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). Consequently, a third party can register your identical brand in the same class under a different subclass if you fail to cover them.
Unlike Western nations where broad descriptions offer wide protection, China's mechanical system creates coverage gaps if you rely on general terminology. For example, Class 25 for apparel is fragmented into separate legal silos such as sweaters (Subclass 2501) and bathing suits (Subclass 2503). To prevent bad-faith registrations, you must instruct your IP agent to explicitly register your trademark across all relevant 4-digit subclasses for comprehensive protection.
However, in China, these products are classified into different sub-classes under class 25: - Sweaters correspond to subclass 01 under class 25. - Baby Pants correspond to subclass 02 under class 25. - Bathing suits correspond to subclass 03 under class 25. - Sandals correspond to subclass 07 under class 25. - Mittens correspond to subclass 10 under class 25.
Therefore, when preparing a description of goods or services for your trademark in China, it is highly recommended that you instruct your local agent to register your trademark under all or as many sub-classes as possible that are relevant to your trademark's description of goods and/or services.