What is the procedure for applying for a patent?

In order to obtain patent protection for invention-creation, the inventor or his assignee or heir must file an application with the Patent Office in accordance with the provisions of the Patent Law. To apply for a patent for invention or utility model, the applicant shall submit the written request, specification and its abstract, patent claim and other documents and materials.

The request shall specify the name of the invention or utility model, the name of the inventor or designer, the name and address of the applicant and other matters.

The specification shall give a clear and complete description of the invention or utility model, which shall be subject to the realization of the technical personnel in the technical field; Attached drawings shall be attached when necessary. The technical points of the invention or utility model shall be briefly explained.

The patent claim shall be based on the specification and indicate the scope of patent protection.

To apply for a patent for a design, the applicant shall submit a request, a picture or photograph of the design and other documents, and shall specify the product and its category in which the design is used.

In order to apply for a patent, most countries require to pay an application fee when submitting an application. If the applicant fails to pay the fee, the Patent Office will not accept the examination.

After accepting the patent application, the Patent Office must make a review and make a decision according to law.