Can the examination fee for enterprises applying for invention patents be reduced or exempted?

According to the Measures for Reduction and Exemption of Patent Fees (Cai Shui [2016] No.78), qualified enterprises or individuals can reduce or exempt the application fee, actual examination fee, annual fee and examination fee after registration and filing.

The relief conditions meet one of the following conditions:

(1) Individuals whose average monthly income in the previous year was less than 3,500 yuan (42,000 yuan per year);

(2) Enterprises with taxable income of less than 300,000 yuan in the previous year;

(3) Institutions, social organizations and non-profit scientific research institutions.

Amount of relief: 85% for a single applicant and 70% for multiple applicants (filed separately).

Formalities: 1. Registration in the patent affairs service system and fee reduction registration; 2, submit a patent fee waiver request to China National Intellectual Property Administration, can also be forwarded by the local bureau.

The specific process is complicated, so it is recommended to entrust a patent agency to handle it.