I applied for a patent with a patent application number, but I haven't got a certificate for more than a year. I wonder how long this process will take.

Article 34 of the Patent Law of People's Republic of China (PRC) 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 immediately publish it after eighteen 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 35 Within 3 years from the date of filing, the administrative department for patent in the State Council may, upon the request of the applicant at any time, make a substantive examination of the application; If the applicant fails to request substantive examination within the time limit without justifiable reasons, the application shall be deemed to have been withdrawn. The patent administrative department of the State Council may, when it deems it necessary, examine the application for a patent for invention on its own. Article 39 If the application for a patent for invention is not found to be rejected after substantive examination, the administrative department for patent in the State Council shall make a decision to grant a patent right for invention, issue a patent certificate for invention, and register and announce it at the same time. The invention patent right shall take effect as of the date of announcement. To sum up, you need to wait patiently. If the patent is stolen, you can defend your rights according to law.