773000Leasing of intellectual property and similar non-financial intangible assets (except copyrighted works)
知識產權及相類非金融無形資產的租賃(版權產品除外)
Why 6 digits?
HSIC subclasses are 6 digits. The first four match the international ISIC class; Hong Kong adds a two-digit local suffix for finer detail, especially across its import and export trade, so a code steps from a 4-digit class straight to a 6-digit subclass. More on the HSIC structure.
This activity involves the leasing of non-financial intangible assets, excluding copyrighted works, such as brand names, trademarks, and franchise agreements. It also includes receiving royalties or licensing fees for the use of patented entities and mineral exploration rights.
This classification includes
- leasing of non-financial intangible assets (except copyrighted works, such as books or software)
- receiving royalties or licensing fee for the use of brand names
- receiving royalties or licensing fee for the use of franchise agreements
- receiving royalties or licensing fee for the use of mineral exploration rights
- receiving royalties or licensing fee for the use of patented entities
- receiving royalties or licensing fee for the use of trademarks
- receiving royalties or licensing fee for the use of other non-financial intangible assets
Classified elsewhere
These activities look similar but belong under different codes.
- acquisition of publishing and distribution rights
- leasing of tangible goods
- producing, reproducing and distributing copyrighted works (e.g. books, computer software, motion picture, etc.)
- real estate leasing
Licences and approvals
What this activity needs to operate
No sector-specific licence applies to this activity. It can be set up as a standard Hong Kong company without extra regulatory approvals. Premises-based or product-based permits can still apply case by case; Emerhub confirms the exact position during scoping.
Offshore profits claim feasibility
MediumProfits from leasing intellectual property can qualify for offshore treatment if the contracts are negotiated and concluded outside of Hong Kong. However, if the services are tied to local customers or require local licenses, the feasibility decreases.
Business registration wording
Suggested business nature for this activity
English
LEASING OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND ASSETS
43/60 characters
Chinese 中文
租賃知識產權及資產
9/30 characters
Standard compliance
Compliance every Hong Kong company shares
Beyond anything specific to this activity, every Hong Kong company handles two-tiered profits tax, the annual return (Form NAR1) within 42 days of its incorporation anniversary, audited accounts, MPF enrolment for staff, and a company secretary. Emerhub runs all of it on your behalf.
See the full Hong Kong compliance calendarFrequently asked questions
What types of intangible assets can I lease?
You can lease trademarks, patents, franchise agreements, and other non-financial intangible assets, excluding copyrighted works.
How are royalties taxed in Hong Kong?
Royalties received in Hong Kong are generally subject to profits tax unless they qualify for offshore treatment.
Do I need a local office to operate this business?
While a local office is not strictly required, having a presence in Hong Kong can facilitate operations and client relations.
Incorporate in Hong Kong
Starting a leasing of intellectual property and similar non-financial intangible assets (except copyrighted works) business in Hong Kong?
Emerhub incorporates your company, registers the business nature above with the IRD, files every licence application, and runs your company secretary and compliance calendar. You provide the documents; Emerhub handles every government interaction.
Start incorporation with Emerhub