Agent appointment for IPR  customs recordation will produce legal effects, therefore the two  sides, on the basis of a verbal agreement, have to go through certain  necessary procedures.

When  appointing IP agent to transact customs recordation (including patents,  trademarks, copyrights) and other related matters, it is necessary to  sign an appointing contract, to provide all relevant documents and to  pay the related expenses.

1. Preliminary negotiation
When a business  / natural person is interested in matters related to IP customs  recordation, he usually read through promotional materials, websites and  other channels to grasp the relevant features and advantages of a  number of agencies. Then by phone, mails, fax or in person he will negotiate the agency fees and the the specific services to be provided.

2. Enter into agency contracts
When  a 'non-standard' contract is used for agency business, it should be  reviewed and revised with the legal department or the company's leaders  before being sign with the agent.

3. Provide relevant documents
For customs recordation protection of IPR, the client shall submit various IP related documents.

4. Pay the costs
An  applicant for IP customs related matters need to pay the IP agency  service fees in addition to the official fees prescribed by the Chinese  General Administration of Customs. 

(1) Agent fees
Based  on the agency size, the service level and quality, the agencies service  fees are different. The agent fees also depend on the required amount  of work and the difficulty of a case. The specific amount shall  be agreed by both sides in the appointing contract.
(2) Official fees
Official filing fees are 800 RMB for each recordation application.