Legal analysis: It takes about half a year to apply for an appearance patent. After the application for a patent for design is submitted, the preliminary examination can be completed in about three to four months. After passing the preliminary examination, the registration notice will be issued immediately. One month after the applicant pays the annual printing fee (annual fee, patent registration fee, announcement printing fee and stamp duty) of 295 yuan (less one applicant is qualified after filing procedures), the patent is granted and an authorization announcement is issued.
Legal basis: 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 publish it within 18 months from the date of application. The patent administration department of the State Council may publish its application at an early date upon the request of the applicant.