In a statement released on Thursday, the State Administration for Industry & Commerce (SAIC) promised to issue a number of delayed trademark registration certificates by the end of May. Many enterprises and agencies have complained about the delay, which for some has been as long as half a year, saying that it has caused them to lose business.

The processing of a trademark application in China normally takes nine months, including a three-month waiting period after the public announcement. If no disagreements are filed during that period, the certificate is issued one month later.

However, since Aug. 21, 2015, no certificates have been issued by the SAIC. Several trademark application agencies have complained about the nationwide backlog. “Without any certificates, online shopping platforms, supermarkets and malls are taking my clients’ goods off the market,” said one employee of a trademark application agency in Beijing.

According to officials with the SAIC, the delay was caused by a counterfeit-proof paper shortage. However, the statement reassures those waiting that the shortage is now resolved: “The paper for trademark registration certificates is ready. We have accelerated its printing since March 28. All overdue certificates will be granted to registrants by the end of May.”

An intellectual property lawyer who goes by Yu Heng explained that the certificate is meant to minimize risk for sales platforms. Additionally, it is crucial for trademark protection. “The SAIC will not process a complaint for trademark violation if a certificate is not presented,” Yu explained.

The administration has vowed to streamline its cumbersome trademark application process and improve efficiency to avoid such issues in the future.