Can I enter the Chinese national phase late?

Yes, up to 32 months from priority, with a surcharge. After that, CNIPA does not reinstate the right to enter.

What are CNIPA's official fees for an invention patent?

At PCT entry, CNIPA lists ¥900 to file, ¥50 for publication and ¥2,500 for substantive examination, plus ¥150 for each claim above 10.

Can I restore a priority claim when my PCT enters China?

Yes. CNIPA accepts restoration if the delay was unintentional. Ask within 2 months of entering the national phase.

Can a Chinese PCT filing give me protection in Hong Kong?

Yes. A PCT application that designated China and validly entered the Chinese national phase can be recorded in Hong Kong for a standard patent, within 6 months of the Chinese publication.

Does China have a grace period for my own disclosure?

Only in narrow cases within 6 months before filing, such as first display at a recognised international exhibition, a prescribed conference, or disclosure without your consent.

Can a Chinese patent term be extended for slow examination?

Yes, on request, if grant comes more than 4 years after filing and 3 years after the examination request. Applicant-caused delay does not count.

What is a Chinese 'utility model' and should I use it?

Utility models protect functional inventions but undergo only a formality exam, so they grant faster than invention patents, with a 10-year term. They're ideal for incremental innovations and can be filed alongside an invention patent for the same invention.

Can I file in English in China?

No. The application must be filed in simplified Chinese. We coordinate professional patent translation as part of the filing package.

Does China recognize partial designs?

Yes. Since the June 2021 reform, CNIPA accepts partial design applications (protecting a portion of a product) and has extended design term to 15 years. This aligns China with US/EU practice.

What about software and AI patents in China?

China has become increasingly receptive. Software with technical features, business methods producing technical effects, and AI-related inventions are patentable when properly drafted to demonstrate technical character.

Is China a Hague (design) member?

Yes. China joined the Hague Agreement in May 2022. International design applications can now designate China, though local agent involvement is still typically required for prosecution.

Patent filing · CNIPA

Protect your invention in China.

China grants utility models without substantive examination. Filed the same day as an invention patent, one covers the wait.

Start My Patent

Questions first? Ask our attorney.

Search and strategy first. Drafting and filing quoted in writing before any work.

ExcellentTrustpilot

GTC patent attorney reviewing an invention for China National Intellectual Property Administration filing

10+ years

Top IP Consultancy for E-Commerce, IIPLA 2026Upwork · Top Rated Plus

Trusted by founders and brands worldwide

Before you start

How are you filing?

Directly at CNIPAAn invention patent, a utility model, or both filed on the same day.Start My Patent
Through the PCTOne international application first, then China at 30 months.See PCT Filing
A US provisional firstIt sets your priority date. The Chinese application must follow within 12 months.See Provisional Filing

What it costs

One engagement, two clear stages.

You start with a search and a filing strategy, then a flat drafting-and-filing fee, so you decide with the search in hand, never a surprise. Government fees are passed through at cost.

Step One

Strategy & Search

$400

Patentability search + a written opinion on how to file.

CNIPA prior-art and clearance search
Strategy: invention patent vs utility model dual-track filing
Translation cost forecast and local-agent coordination plan
Engagement letter & roadmap (Step Two only if you proceed)

Step Two

Drafting & Filing

From $3,400

Drafting and filing your China application.

Full specification & claims drafted to CNIPA standards
Coordinated filing through CNIPA-licensed Chinese patent agency
Professional Chinese translation by patent-specialized linguists
Filing of Request for Examination (within 3-year window)

Chinese translation ($0.10–$0.18/word) and CNIPA official fees are pass-through at cost.

Start My Patent

China National Intellectual Property Administration government fees, translations, and any complexity surcharges are quoted separately and passed through at cost.

Know the rules

How patent filing works in China.

CNIPA filing fee, invention patent: ¥900
Substantive examination fee, invention patent: ¥2,500
Included. Each claim above 10 costs ¥150.: 10 claims
Years of term: invention, utility model, design: 20 / 10 / 15

1

Pick the patent type

Invention, utility model or design. Invention and utility model can be filed together.
2

File in Chinese

Through a Chinese patent agency, with a Chinese description, claims and abstract.
3

Request examination

Within 3 years of priority, or the invention application is withdrawn.
4

Grant and annual fees

Pay the first annual fee within 2 months of the grant notice.

Key dates

12 months

Last day to claim priority
18 months

Invention application published
30 months

PCT national phase entry
32 months

Late PCT entry, with surcharge
3 years

Request substantive examination
2 months after grant notice

First annual fee due

Your deadlines

Your situation

Filing date of your first application

An estimate from CNIPA's rules. We confirm your dates before any filing.

Pick a date to see your own deadlines.

What you need

Chinese translation of the description, claims and abstract
Power of attorney for the Chinese patent agency
Inventor names and priority application details
Assignment of the priority right, if the applicants differ
CNIPA confidentiality clearance, if the invention was made in China

Common mistake

Filing abroad before clearance

Made in China? Get CNIPA's confidentiality examination first, or China will not grant the patent.

Common mistake

Relying on your own disclosure

China's 6-month grace period does not cover your own publication or sale.

Official sources (3)

The team on your file

A dedicated team, with you at every step.

We manage your application end to end. A registered patent attorney drafts and files it with CNIPA, and your account team tracks every deadline.

Your Account Manager

Your day-to-day contact. Knows your file, so every conversation starts where the last one ended.
Your Senior Account Manager

Senior oversight on strategy and anything that escalates, so nothing important slips.

Our team

Attorneys and legal specialists supporting your matter.

Managed end to end by GTC

Meet our team

In their words

All your legal, in one place.

One accountable team for every service, operating since 2016.

ExcellentTrustpilot

10+

Years since 2016

Chinese patent questions

What inventors ask before filing in China.

Yes, but only at entry. You must say so when you enter the national phase, and you cannot convert between an invention patent and a utility model later.