How long does it take to apply for an international patent?

Legal analysis: after applying for a domestic patent, you can apply for a foreign patent as soon as you get the application number. But it needs to be filed within 12 months from the date of domestic patent application. The patent administrative department of the State Council may, when it deems it necessary, examine the application for a patent for invention on its own.

Legal basis: Article 19 of the Patent Law of People's Republic of China (PRC). Any unit or individual that applies to a foreign country for a patent for invention or utility model completed in China shall file a confidentiality review with the patent administration department of the State Council in advance. The procedures and time limit for confidentiality review shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of the State Council. Units or individuals in China may file an international patent application in accordance with the relevant international treaties to which People's Republic of China (PRC) is a party. The applicant who files an international application for a patent shall abide by the provisions of the preceding paragraph. The patent administration department of the State Council shall handle international patent applications in accordance with the relevant international treaties to which People's Republic of China (PRC) is a party, this Law and the relevant provisions of the State Council. Where an invention or utility model that violates the provisions of the first paragraph of this Article is applied for a patent in a foreign country, the patent right shall not be granted in China.