When everyone applies for a patent, they need to pay the corresponding application fee, and they will also have to pay the patent annual fee every year in the future, so that the law will provide protection. Utility model patents can be divided into the following categories based on the reasons for their termination:
First, they are terminated upon expiration of the term. A utility model or design patent right shall last for 10 years from the date of application and shall be terminated in accordance with the law.
Second, termination for non-payment of fees. If the patentee fails to pay or fully pay the annual fee and late payment fees in accordance with regulations, the patent right shall be terminated from the expiration date of the previous year. The application process for utility model patents is:
First, the application stage. The application documents for a utility model shall include: utility model patent request, description, drawings of the description, claims, abstract and drawings of the abstract.
Second, the review stage. China implements a preliminary examination system for utility model patent applications. Third, the authorization stage. After preliminary examination by the examining committee, the applicant can obtain a patent certificate after completing the registration procedures. This period of time is about 2-3 months.