China\'s Metaverse Trademark Rush: Will the 16,000 Applications Be Approved?
China has seen an explosion of interest in the metaverse, evidenced by a surge in trademark applications related to the virtual world. As of 22 de feb. de 2025, China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) reported that over 16,000 trademarks containing the word “metaverse” had been filed. This number is significant, especially considering that in February 2025, the number of these metaverse-related trademark applications reportedly reached 16,000, doubling the number recorded just two months prior.
The question on everyone\'s mind is: will these 16,000 metaverse trademark applications be passed? The answer, it seems, is complicated. 2 de abr. de 2025 shows that Metaverse-related trademark applications continue to surge in China. With more than 16,000 applications submitted, virtuality rests with the PBoC. Tencent goes deeper into the. However, 22 de feb. de 2025 reveals that Their applications have, however, been rejected. On 21 February, the State Intellectual Property Office said in an interview with The Paper that until now, more than 16,000 applications are facing hurdles.
According to 22 de feb. de 2025, In January, the CNIPA said that metaverse-related trademarks are unlikely to pass its screening, adding that technology itself cannot be trademarked. By the end of last year, CNIPA has indicated a cautious approach. This stems from the view that the technology underpinning the metaverse cannot be trademarked. This suggests that simply adding "metaverse" to a company name or product may not be enough to secure a trademark. The 20 de oct. de 2025 date isn\'t relevant in context, but the larger trend remains.
Despite these challenges, 30 de ago. de 2025 notes that Some large global companies have started to explore how to secure trademark registrations for the metaverse. The Chinese authorities are treading carefully before allowing trademarking. This suggests that while outright rejection is possible, there may be pathways for companies to successfully register metaverse-related trademarks, particularly if they demonstrate genuine innovation and distinctiveness beyond just the term "metaverse."
Ultimately, the fate of these 16,000 trademark applications hinges on the CNIPA\'s interpretation of trademark law and its evolving understanding of the metaverse. While the initial outlook is uncertain, companies must carefully craft their applications to demonstrate unique value and avoid simply relying on the "metaverse" buzzword to increase their chances of success in the Chinese market.