About the process and cost of patent application

To apply for a patent, you need to apply to China National Intellectual Property Administration. There are three kinds of patents: invention, utility model and design. To apply for any kind of patent, you need to submit the corresponding application documents. The format and content of these application documents are stipulated accordingly. You need to pay the relevant official fees when applying, and pay attention to the payment time limit. To write these application documents well and carry out the application process correctly, you need to have a certain professional level. So there are specialized patent agencies.

In terms of expenses, you have to pay the agency fee to the entrusted agency. Our company used 3000 to 3500 utility models and invented about 6000. This money is not just for you to write a document and submit it. Respond to some audit opinions in the middle to help you manage the process.

Some official fees can be reduced. For individuals, at least 75% of the utility model application fee is reduced. After authorization, you have to pay the registration fee and certificate fee, which is not much. If you apply for an invention, you must pay the examination fee for substance. After authorization, in order to maintain the validity of the patent right, an annual fee is paid every year.

If you entrust an agency, you will sign a power of attorney and have the obligation of confidentiality. Generally, you need to give some technical information you want to apply for, such as drawings, workflow, advantages and disadvantages or explanations of improvement points. You can take it directly if it is convenient for you to take it in kind.

Applying for a patent is not a process of getting a certificate in a short time, and some review opinions may be answered in the middle. The utility model may take about seven or eight months from application to obtaining the certificate, while the invention may take more than one year.