Direct decision rule
Do not move to samples or commercial negotiation until the legal entity, brand ownership, official contact route and authority of the person negotiating are consistent.
Use this stage when
- You found a brand through a marketplace, trade show, social platform or third party.
- The brand name, factory name and payment beneficiary are different.
- Someone claims exclusive rights or an open territory without an official confirmation route.
Evidence to collect
- Chinese business registration and unified social credit code.
- Trademark owner, licensed user or documented brand authorization.
- Official domain, company email and a second-channel confirmation.
- Legal name and bank beneficiary match, with any difference explained in writing.
Decision checklist
- Record the Chinese and English legal entity names.
- Confirm the person and company authorized to quote and contract.
- Check trademark ownership in the relevant product class and market.
- Separate independent editorial profiles from active official campaigns.
Risks and exceptions
Requirements vary by product, destination market, Incoterm and the legal structure of the transaction. Public information is a screening input, not a substitute for current legal, customs, tax, compliance or laboratory advice for the exact product and market.
