Test Purchase Notarization: Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Brands
Apr 16, 2026Practical guide to preparing test purchase evidence that wins cases. Common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Notarization for Infringement – Legally Binding Evidence for IP Enforcement in China
In Chinese courts and administrative proceedings, self‑captured screenshots are rarely accepted as evidence. Our notarization for infringement service provides court‑admissible, notarized evidence of online and offline IP infringement. We preserve infringing e‑commerce listings, counterfeit product pages, social media posts, videos, and physical goods – all under the supervision of licensed notaries. Essential for trademark litigation, platform complaints, and criminal trade secret cases.
⚖️ Request Free Notarization ConsultationWhy Notarized Evidence Is Essential for IP Enforcement in China
Under Chinese civil procedure law, evidence must be authentic, legal, and relevant. Simple screenshots or self‑recorded videos are frequently rejected by courts because they can be easily manipulated. Notarized evidence (公证书) – conducted in the presence of a licensed notary who records the entire process – is given substantial evidentiary weight. Without notarization for infringement, your case may fail regardless of how clear the infringement appears.
📌 Critical fact: Over 90% of successful IP litigation cases in China rely on notarized evidence. Courts routinely reject un‑notarized online evidence. Invest in notarization before filing any legal action.
Our service coordinates with local notary offices to conduct legally compliant evidence preservation, producing a notarial certificate that is admissible in Chinese courts, administrative proceedings (AMR), and accepted by e‑commerce platforms for escalated complaints.
Types of Infringement Evidence We Notarize
E‑Commerce Infringement
Taobao, Tmall, Pinduoduo, JD.com, Douyin store listings – counterfeit products, unauthorized trademark use, design patent infringement. We capture product pages, pricing, seller information, and transaction processes.
Website & Social Media
Infringing websites, WeChat official accounts, WeChat Moments posts, Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), Weibo, and Douyin short videos – preserving URLs, timestamps, and content.
Physical Counterfeit Goods
On‑site notarization of physical counterfeit products – purchasing infringing goods from physical stores, trade shows, or via delivery, with chain of custody documentation.
Test Purchase Notarization
Complete end‑to‑end notarization of online test purchases: browsing, ordering, payment, receiving package, unboxing, and product examination – all under notary supervision.
Our Notarization Process
- Step 1: Consultation & Strategy – We identify the target infringing content and determine the appropriate notarization method (online browsing, test purchase, physical seizure).
- Step 2: Notary Office Coordination – We arrange a licensed Chinese notary public to supervise the evidence collection process at our office or a designated facility.
- Step 3: Evidence Capture Under Supervision – Using a clean computer or device under the notary's observation, we access the infringing content, capture screenshots, record videos, and document URLs and timestamps.
- Step 4: Test Purchase (if applicable) – We place an order for the counterfeit product, record the purchase process, and track delivery. The notary supervises the unboxing and examination of the received goods.
- Step 5: Notarial Certificate Issuance – The notary produces a formal Notarial Certificate (公证书) describing the entire process, attaching screenshots, photos, and video stills. The certificate is legally admissible in Chinese courts.
- Step 6: Evidence Delivery – We provide you with the original notarial certificate (Chinese language) plus a certified translation if needed for your legal team or platform complaints.
Typical turnaround: 3–10 business days from instruction to notarial certificate.
Notarization for Test Purchases – The Gold Standard for Counterfeit Cases
For counterfeit products, a simple screenshot is rarely sufficient. Test purchase notarization provides irrefutable proof that the seller is distributing fake goods. Our test purchase notarization includes:
- Pre‑purchase browsing – Notary observes the search and identification of infringing listings
- Order placement – Complete order process, payment confirmation, and order details captured
- Delivery tracking – Notary monitors shipping status and delivery confirmation
- Receipt and unboxing – Notary supervises package opening, examines product against genuine sample, photographs/videos the counterfeit product and packaging
- Chain of custody – Complete documentation ensuring the evidence has not been tampered with
⚡ Legal impact: Test purchase notarization has been cited as "conclusive evidence" in numerous Chinese court rulings on trademark counterfeiting. It is the single most powerful piece of evidence you can obtain.
Notarization vs. Time‑Stamped Screenshots – What's the Difference?
Simple Screenshots (Not Admissible)
Self‑captured screenshots can be easily edited or fabricated. Chinese courts generally reject them unless corroborated by other evidence. E‑commerce platforms may accept them for initial complaints but not for escalated disputes or legal actions.
Notarized Evidence (Fully Admissible)
Conducted under the supervision of a licensed notary public, following strict legal procedures. The notarial certificate includes a sworn statement of authenticity. Courts give substantial weight to notarized evidence. Required for litigation, administrative complaints, and escalated platform enforcement.
When You Need Notarized Evidence
- Before filing trademark or patent infringement litigation – Courts require notarized evidence of infringement.
- For administrative complaints to AMR (market supervision bureau) – AMR typically requires notarized evidence for raid actions.
- For escalated platform complaints (repeat infringers, store closure) – Alibaba, Pinduoduo, and Douyin may require notarized evidence for permanent store bans.
- For customs recordal enforcement – Notarized evidence of previous infringements supports customs detention requests.
- For trade secret misappropriation cases – Notarized evidence of unauthorized access or disclosure.
- For online price control / MAP violation escalation – Notarized evidence strengthens legal action against chronic price violators.
Cost & Timeline for Notarization Services
Timeline: Simple online browsing notarization: 3–5 business days. Test purchase notarization (including delivery time): 10–15 business days. Rush service available for urgent cases (additional fee).
Cost factors: Notary public fees (government set), number of target URLs/products, complexity of process (browsing only vs. test purchase), translation of notarial certificate (if needed), and travel/on‑site fees for physical store notarization.
We provide fixed‑fee packages for common notarization types. Contact us for a quote based on your specific evidence needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Notarization for Infringement
Is notarized evidence mandatory for IP litigation in China?
While not absolutely mandatory by law, in practice, Chinese courts overwhelmingly require notarized evidence for online infringement cases. Un‑notarized screenshots are routinely rejected. We strongly recommend notarization before filing any legal action.
Can a foreign company request notarization in China?
Yes. We act as your authorized representative to coordinate with notary offices. You do not need to be physically present in China. We handle the entire process, including instructions and evidence review.
What is the difference between notarization and公证 (Gongzheng)?
Notarization (公证) in China is a legal procedure conducted by licensed notaries (公证员) under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice. The resulting Notarial Certificate (公证书) is a formal legal document with high evidentiary value. It is the Chinese equivalent of a notarized affidavit.
How long is a notarial certificate valid?
A notarial certificate has no fixed expiration date – it proves the state of the evidence at the time of notarization. For ongoing infringement, you may need periodic re‑notarization to capture new listings or continued violation.
Can you notarize evidence from Douyin live streams?
Yes. We can notarize live‑stream content, including the full broadcast, chat logs, and product links. The notary observes the live stream in real time (or a recorded playback) and certifies the content. This is essential for social commerce counterfeiting cases.
Do I need a Chinese lawyer to use notarized evidence?
For litigation, yes – you will need a Chinese lawyer to file the case and submit the notarized evidence to court. We can recommend trusted IP litigation partners or work with your existing legal counsel. For platform complaints, you can submit the notarial certificate directly.
Latest News on Notarization Practice for IP Enforcement
Beijing IP Court Clarifies Standards for Notarized Online Evidence
Apr 16, 2026Recent rulings emphasize the importance of detailed notarial certificates and chain of custody. What brand owners must include in their notarization requests.
China Expands Online Notarization for Cross-Border IP Enforcement (2026)
Mar 19, 2026New regulations allow remote notarization of online evidence for foreign IP owners without physical presence. How our service leverages these new tools for faster evidence preservation.
Contact Us
Ask about notarization for e‑commerce listings, test purchases, social media content, or physical goods – we handle all types of infringement evidence preservation.
Get In Touch
Our notarization team coordinates with licensed notaries across China to provide fast, reliable, and court‑admissible evidence for your IP enforcement needs.
- +86 130 5270 9126
- info@tekzenvo.com
- 5-Fa Zhan Building, No.9 Office Area, Kai Fa Qu, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (GMT+8)