China accelerates patent review process to enhance protection of innovations
The most recent information from the China National Intellectual Property Administration indicates that as of October, the average examination period for invention patents in China has been cut down to 15.6 months.
TroibNews 
China, holding the record for the highest number of patents globally, is actively working to accelerate its patent application review process.
Recent figures from the China National Intellectual Property Administration indicate that the average examination period for invention patents has been shortened to 15.6 months as of October.
This level of efficiency is approaching the nation's 2025 target, which aims to streamline the examination process to 15 months. Notably, the review time was decreased to 16 months last year, which is already less than that of major IP authorities like the U.S., Europe, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
China currently boasts 4.66 million valid invention patents. By late 2023, it became the first country to surpass 4 million valid invention patents. Since 2019, China has led the world in international patent applications.
The rapid authorization of patents enables businesses to quickly protect their innovations and avoid imitation or infringement by rivals.
To address the needs of the emerging technological revolution and ongoing industrial transformations, China plans to further improve patent examination policies in advanced areas such as artificial intelligence, gene technology, quantum information, and biomedical sciences. CNIPA spokesperson Heng Fuguang highlighted these aims at a press conference on Friday, emphasizing China's aspirations to become a powerhouse in intellectual property.
China's commitment to efficient patent examination is also reflected in its international collaborations. Heng noted that China has set up fast-track patent grant programs with 33 countries and regions, including the U.S., Germany, France, and Japan. These initiatives enable patent examination authorities to collaborate and quicken the examination process.
Additionally, China has launched 123 national IP centers to offer prompt protection services for innovators nationwide. These centers handled 98,000 cases in the first three quarters of this year, with an average processing time of less than two weeks. This provides businesses with an accessible, efficient, and affordable means of safeguarding their rights, as reported by the CNIPA.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
Recent figures from the China National Intellectual Property Administration indicate that the average examination period for invention patents has been shortened to 15.6 months as of October.
This level of efficiency is approaching the nation's 2025 target, which aims to streamline the examination process to 15 months. Notably, the review time was decreased to 16 months last year, which is already less than that of major IP authorities like the U.S., Europe, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
China currently boasts 4.66 million valid invention patents. By late 2023, it became the first country to surpass 4 million valid invention patents. Since 2019, China has led the world in international patent applications.
The rapid authorization of patents enables businesses to quickly protect their innovations and avoid imitation or infringement by rivals.
To address the needs of the emerging technological revolution and ongoing industrial transformations, China plans to further improve patent examination policies in advanced areas such as artificial intelligence, gene technology, quantum information, and biomedical sciences. CNIPA spokesperson Heng Fuguang highlighted these aims at a press conference on Friday, emphasizing China's aspirations to become a powerhouse in intellectual property.
China's commitment to efficient patent examination is also reflected in its international collaborations. Heng noted that China has set up fast-track patent grant programs with 33 countries and regions, including the U.S., Germany, France, and Japan. These initiatives enable patent examination authorities to collaborate and quicken the examination process.
Additionally, China has launched 123 national IP centers to offer prompt protection services for innovators nationwide. These centers handled 98,000 cases in the first three quarters of this year, with an average processing time of less than two weeks. This provides businesses with an accessible, efficient, and affordable means of safeguarding their rights, as reported by the CNIPA.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
