An application for a patent for invention may, within 3 years from the date of filing, be examined in substance according to the request made by the applicant at any time. It should be noted that if the applicant fails to request substantive examination within the time limit without justifiable reasons, the application shall be deemed to have been withdrawn. Of course, the patent administration department may examine the application for a patent for invention on its own when it deems it necessary.
Lawyer Han Jinhua of Zongheng Law Network