Ways for individuals to apply for invention patents: first, submit the request, specification, abstract and claim to the patent administration department. Then, the patent administration department accepts the application, conducts a preliminary examination within 18 months, makes an announcement if it meets the requirements, conducts a substantive examination within three years from the date of application, and issues a patent certificate if there is no reason to refute it.
legal ground
Article 39 of the Patent Law of People's Republic of China (PRC)
If the application for a patent for invention is rejected after substantive examination, the administrative department for patent in the State Council shall make a decision to grant the patent right for invention, issue a patent certificate for invention, and register and announce it at the same time. The invention patent right shall take effect as of the date of announcement.