Invention Patent

An invention patent is for a new technical solution for a product, a new method of producing or doing something, or an improvement on a product or method. Invention patents are most appropriate for inventions and product with a long life cycle, as an invention patent can last for up to 20 years if renewal fees are paid. It can take from three to five years from filing the application for the patent to be granted. The process includes an in-depth official substantive examination of the invention.

1. Advantage

· Longest period of protection

· Easier to enforce compared to other forms of protection since it will have passed through substantive examination

1. Disadvantage

· Long period to be granted

· Higher official application fees compared to utility model or design patents; the basic official application fee is RMB 950 and you must also pay the substantive examination fee of RMB 2,500

Given the length of time it takes to be granted an invention patent, one strategy to protect your invention during the substantive examination period is to apply for a utility model patent at the same time, as a utility model patent is typically granted within one year. Once your invention patent is going to be granted, however, you must drop your utility model patent.

KEY CRITERIA

1. Novelty requirement: To obtain an invention patent, the invention must not have been previously disclosed in a publication or known to the public anywhere in the world. As a general rule, if you sell products incorporating the invention before applying for a patent, the novelty of the patent will be destroyed.

2. Level of inventiveness: This requirement refers to the level of innovation for the invention. Invention patents require a relatively higher level of inventiveness.