Preventive protection of enterprise names refers to a service measure implemented by enterprise registration authorities to proactively manage commercially significant identifiers, thereby preventing others from improperly using such identifiers when registering enterprise names.

Municipal-level or higher industry supervisory departments may recommend preventive protection for a commercial identifier. Enterprises may also apply independently for such protection. Where failure to implement protection could harm public interests or cause negative social impact, municipal registration authorities may proactively include a commercial identifier within the scope of preventive protection.

Registration authorities implement classified protection for commercial identifiers included in the preventive protection system.

If an applicant’s proposed enterprise name is identical or similar to a commercially protected identifier and may deceive or mislead the public within the same industry, the registration authority shall not register the name in that industry.

If an applicant’s proposed enterprise name is identical or similar to a commercially protected identifier and may deceive or mislead the public across all industries, the registration authority shall not register the name in any industry.

For commercial identifiers that have widespread influence nationwide, municipal registration authorities may recommend to the State Administration for Market Regulation that such identifiers be protected throughout the country.