1, the acceptance stage of utility model and design patents
Time: about 1 month;
The applicant has obtained a notice of patent acceptance; If you file an application for a patent electronically, you can generally get the application date and application number on the second day of the filing date.
Process: the applicant submits a patent application → the patent office accepts it (obtaining the application date and application number) → the patent office issues a patent acceptance notice → the applicant pays the application fee (within 2 months from the application date) → the patent office classifies the patent cases → the patent enters the preliminary examination stage.
2, the preliminary stage of utility model and design patent
Time: about 6 months;
Process: the utility model and design patents pass the preliminary examination, (if they are unqualified, the Patent Office will issue a notice of correction or a notice of examination opinions, and the applicant will complete the corresponding defense within the prescribed time limit) → the patents enter the authorization stage.
Under special circumstances, in recent years, the Patent Office has strengthened the examination of utility models, which is similar to the actual examination stage of invention patents. Therefore, it is best for the applicant to improve the technical content of the utility model when preparing the materials, so as to improve the chances of being authorized.
3. Patent authorization stage for utility model and design
Time: generally about 2 months;
Process: The Patent Office issues a patent authorization notice, and the applicant pays the certificate fee and the annual fee of the year of authorization within the prescribed time limit (the Patent Office generally issues the patent certificate about 2 months after receiving the fee).