Can the west apply for a patent for traditional Chinese medicine? What do I need to prepare to apply for a patent? What are the procedures? What is the approximate cost?

First of all, a patent application needs to meet certain conditions. Not everything can be used for patent application. As a well-known subject, Chinese medicine cannot be patented. If it is your own invention, it can only be protected as a trade secret. To apply for a patent for Chinese medicine formula abroad, the country must sign an international treaty with China. The time, price and procedure of patent application vary from country to country.