China
Supported patent filings

* 32 months with extension fee payable.

** The Patent Office accepts faxed or scanned color copies of specific Power of Attorney forms and Assignment forms.  However, the original General Power of Attorney form must still be mailed to the agent.

*** Assignments are only required in a very small number of cases.

**** The translation must be submitted at filing (i.e. by the 30-month deadline or the extended 32-month deadline).

• In China, the official fees are based on the application as published and it is therefore not possible to reduce claims fees by amending the claims at national phase entry. Any amendments made could incur additional translation costs.

* Assignment documents are only required if the applicant of the priority application is different to the applicant of the Chinese application.

• A certified copy of the Priority Document needs to be filed within 16 months from the priority date (with details needed at filing).

• Unlike most countries that require signed forms from the applicant, the Chinese Patent Office now accepts scanned, color copies of documents. However, the original General Power of Attorney form must still be mailed to the agent.