Macau is a party to international intellectual property treaties such as the TRIPS Agreement, but it has not yet joined the Madrid System. Therefore, trademark registration must be applied for individually, and only single-class applications are accepted; series trademarks cannot be registered. Currently, Macau adopts the Nice Classification for goods and services descriptions and accepts only single-class applications. Elements that can be registered as trademark include words, graphics, symbols, color combinations, three-dimensional shapes, and sounds. Non-residents of Macau must appoint a local agent to handle the application process.

Classification

The Nice Classification is adopted. Trademark registration is applied for based on goods/services categories (Classes 1–34 for goods and Classes 35–45 for services).

Convention Priority

Applicants can claim a 6-month priority under the Paris Convention, provided the priority documents are submitted.

Examination Procedure

Includes both formal examination and substantive examination (covering distinctiveness, similarity to prior trademarks, etc.). If approved, the trademark is published for opposition.

Opposition

The opposition period in Macau is 2 months. If no opposition is filed or the opposition is unsuccessful, the examiner will conduct a substantive review, including checks on distinctiveness, compliance with prohibited registration/use provisions, and conflicts with prior trademarks. If the application fails the substantive examination, a rejection notice will be issued, requiring the applicant to respond within the specified timeframe. If the substantive examination is successful, the trademark will be published for registration, and a certificate will be issued. Under normal circumstances, trademark registration in Macau takes approximately 12 months. If objections or oppositions arise, the process may be extended, often taking 2–3 years.

Duration and Renewal

Trademark protection lasts for 7 years from the date of registration and can be renewed indefinitely (7 years per renewal). Renewal applications must be filed within 6 months before the expiration date. There is a 6-month grace period (subject to additional fees). If the trademark is not renewed within the grace period, restoration is not possible.