Legal basis: People's Republic of China (PRC) Patent Law.
Article 34 After receiving an application for a patent for invention, the administrative department for patent in the State Council, after preliminary examination, finds that it conforms to the provisions of this Law, and shall publish it after 18 months from the date of filing. The patent administration department of the State Council may publish its application at an early date upon the request of the applicant.
Article 10 The right to apply for a patent and the patent right may be transferred. Where a unit or individual in China transfers the right to apply for a patent or the patent right to a foreigner, foreign enterprise or other foreign organization, it shall go through the formalities in accordance with the provisions of relevant laws and administrative regulations. Where the right to apply for a patent or the patent right is transferred, the parties concerned shall conclude a written contract and register it with the patent administration department of the State Council, which shall make an announcement. The transfer of the right to apply for a patent or the patent right shall take effect from the date of registration.