What does it mean to pass the preliminary examination of invention patents?

Legal analysis: I received the notice of passing the preliminary examination, indicating that my invention patent had no obvious substantive defects in the preliminary examination, and there was no obvious non-compliance with the legal provisions, and I passed the preliminary examination. After passing the examination, substantive examination is required, and the patent can only be obtained through substantive examination. Some substantive audits can be carried out immediately, while others can only be carried out after 18 days.

Legal basis: People's Republic of China (PRC) Patent Law.

Article 9 Only one patent right can be granted for the same invention-creation. However, if the same applicant applies for a patent for utility model and a patent for invention at the same time on the same day, and the patent for utility model obtained earlier has not been terminated, and the applicant abandons the patent for utility model, the patent for invention may be granted. Where two or more applicants apply for a patent for the same invention-creation, the patent right shall be granted to the first applicant.

Article 29 Where an applicant applies for a patent for invention or utility model for the first time in a foreign country within twelve months, or applies for a patent for design for the first time in a foreign country within six months, and applies for a patent on the same subject in China, he may enjoy the priority in accordance with the agreement signed between that country and China or the international treaties to which both countries are parties, or in accordance with the principle of mutual recognition of priority. Applicants who file a patent application for invention or utility model for the first time in China within 12 months, or apply for a patent for design for the first time in China within 6 months may enjoy priority.

Article 34 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 after 18 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.