If you don't apply, you can go directly to China National Intellectual Property Administration Patent Search Office to search for the same or similar patent application, but you have to pay a fee.
The steps of applying for a patent include:
Step 1: Prepare the application documents. Utility models and inventions include requests, specifications, claims, attached drawings of specifications and abstract of specifications. A patent for design shall contain a request, a picture or photograph and a brief explanation.
Step 2: Submit the materials. You can choose two ways to submit materials:
1, go directly to the lobby of the patent office or the local patent agency window.
2. Submit by email.
The third step is that the State Patent Office issues an acceptance notice, which means that the patent application formally enters the examination and approval procedure.
Step 4: Pay the application fee.