Preparation of application documents → application steps → approval process → handling institution → processing time limit → fee payment.
The application documents for utility models shall include:
Request for patent for utility model, specification, appended drawings of specification, patent claim, abstract and appended drawings of abstract. Where a patent agency is entrusted, a power of attorney shall be submitted. To apply for fee reduction, an application for fee reduction and corresponding supporting documents shall be submitted.
Design application documents shall include:
A patent request for a design, picture or photograph. Where color protection is needed, color pictures or photographs shall also be submitted.
China implements a preliminary examination system for applications for patents for utility models and designs. During the preliminary examination, the examiner will issue a notice of correction to the formal problems in the application documents. The applicant makes corrections to the notice. After passing the preliminary examination, the examiner will issue a notice of granting the patent right. After receiving the notice of granting the patent right, the applicant needs to go through the following registration procedures: pay the patent registration fee, the annual fee for authorization, the printing fee for the announcement and the stamp duty on the patent certificate within the prescribed time limit. The applicant can obtain a patent certificate after going through the registration formalities.
Flow chart of utility model application;