How to apply for a patent for an individual invention?

(1) First of all, it is necessary to make clear whether the invention it holds is a service invention or a non-service invention: a service invention refers to an invention that the inventor or designer has completed the task assigned by his own unit, or that is mainly obtained by using the material conditions of his own unit. The patent for service invention is applied by the unit, and no individual has the right to apply. Non-service invention refers to the invention and creation made by employees after completing the work assigned by their units. Non-service inventions can be patented by individuals. (2) Requirements of application documents: To apply for a patent, a request, specification, abstract, patent claim and other documents shall be submitted. The request shall specify the name of the invention, the name of the inventor or designer, the name and address of the applicant and other matters. The specification shall give a clear and complete description of the invention, and the patent claim shall specify the scope of patent protection. (3) Principle of first application: In China, the patent right is granted on the basis of the principle of first application, that is, when two or more applicants apply for a patent for the same invention respectively, the patent right is granted to the first applicant. (4) Examination and approval of patent application: After receiving an application for a patent for invention, the Patent Office, after preliminary examination, finds that it conforms to the provisions of the Patent Law, and shall publish it after 18 months from the date of application.