How long does it take to apply for a design patent?

Legal analysis: It takes eighteen months to apply for a patent for design. According to the relevant laws and regulations, when applying for a patent for design, documents such as request, specification, abstract and claim shall be submitted. The patent administrative department of the State Council shall conduct a preliminary examination, and if it meets the requirements, it shall be published within 18 months from the date of application. And issue the corresponding patent certificate.

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

Article 26 Where an applicant applies for a patent for invention or utility model, he shall submit the written request, specification and its abstract, patent right and other documents.

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.

Article 40 If the application for a patent for utility model or design is not found to be rejected after preliminary examination, the administrative department for patent in the State Council shall make a decision to grant the patent right for utility model or design, issue the corresponding patent certificate, and register and announce it at the same time. The patent right for utility model and the patent right for design shall take effect as of the date of announcement.