HONG KONG SAR, CHINA: Companies Registry Clamps Down on Unauthorized Use of DeepSeek Name

Since DeepSeek’s AI assistant topped Apple and Google download charts in early February 2025, various mainstream media in East Asia have reported that DeepSeek is expanding to Hong Kong SAR, China by setting up local private companies.

This news report has come as a shock to China’s AI startup, as it had never authorized any party to set up DeepSeek companies in Hong Kong SAR, China.

After receiving DeepSeek’s complaint, the Hong Kong Companies Registry promptly ordered three DeepSeek companies to change their names.

The Hong Kong Companies Registry will register any company name not identical to a prior company name as it does not have any duty or right to cross-check in case the company name incorporates a third party’s registered or unregistered trademark. This is for business efficacy to allow a company to be incorporated in under a week.

However, under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, the Registrar may order a company to change its name if the name is “too like” a name of a prior registered company name and/or if the name gives a misleading indication of the nature of the company’s activities as to be likely to cause harm to the public. In practice, this happens only after it receives a complaint.

If a company fails to comply with the Registrar’s direction and fails to change its name within the specified period of time, usually six weeks, the Companies Registry may (1) fine the company and/or every responsible person in the company; and/or (2) change the name to one formed by the registration number of the company concerned.

The speedy actions taken by the Companies Registry shows Hong Kong SAR’s determination, backed by effective legislation and efficient enforcement, to protect intellectual property rights.

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest. Law & Practice updates are published without comment from INTA except where it has taken an official position.

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