According to the principle of "the law can be done without prohibition", there is no limit on the number of applicants. But the position of the first inventor is the most important, and the second and third are of certain significance. The latter is only the meaning of nominally participating in the project. In addition, the number of applicants will also affect the application fee. If one person applies, the application fee will be reduced by 85%, and if two or more people apply, it will be reduced by 70%.
Where a non-service invention-creation is jointly completed by two or more inventors and designers, the person who completed the invention-creation is called a * * * co-inventor or a * * * co-designer.
* * * The right to apply for a patent for an invention-creation and the patent right obtained shall be owned by * * *. For service invention-creation, the subject of patent right is the unit where the inventor or designer of the invention-creation belongs. The invention-creation by taking advantage of one's position refers to the invention-creation accomplished by performing the tasks of one's own unit or mainly using the material and technical conditions of one's own unit.
legal ground
patent law of the people's republic of china
Article 8. Unless otherwise agreed, the right to apply for a patent belongs to an invention-creation completed in cooperation with two or more units or individuals, or an invention-creation entrusted by other units or individuals. After the application is approved, the applicant unit or individual shall be the patentee. 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 10 The right to apply for a patent and the patent right may be transferred.
Where a unit or individual in China transfers the right to apply for a patent or the patent right to a foreigner, foreign enterprise or other foreign organization, it shall go through the formalities in accordance with the provisions of relevant laws and administrative regulations.
Where the right to apply for a patent or the patent right is transferred, the parties concerned shall conclude a written contract and register it with the patent administration department of the State Council, which shall make an announcement. The transfer of the right to apply for a patent or the patent right shall take effect from the date of registration.