Find a patent agency
Ordinary individuals can apply for patents themselves or entrust professional patent agencies to handle them for you. However, special individuals, such as foreigners who have no habitual residence or business office in China, China people who have lived or worked abroad for a long time, and compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, must find a patent agency to apply for a patent.
Choose the right type
There are many types of inventions, including inventions, utility models and designs. Before applying, you need to think carefully and choose the type that suits you best. Different types of patents have different protection periods, with inventions being 20 years and utility models and designs being 10 years, counting from the date of application.
Check patent features
According to Article 22 of the Patent Law, a qualified patent for invention or utility model must be novel, creative and practical. The design patent needs to be unique, not similar to the existing design, nor can it infringe on the legal rights of others.