From March 3, 2020, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) will no longer issue paper certificates for electronic patent applications

Currently, China made adjustments to the method of issuing electronic patent application notices and certificates, including: for the electronic applications for patents granted and published on/after March 3, 2020, the CNIPA will always issue electronic patent certificates instead of issuing paper copies to applicants unless upon the applicant’s request for a separate paper certificate.

In addition, from February 17, 2020, the acceptance notice and other decisions issued by the patent authority for electronic applications have also been changed to electronic notices instead of being served in paper form. Patent applicants can directly download related documents such as electronic patent certificates, notices and decision results with electronic signature of the CNIPA through the “Patent Electronic Application Website”.

Released by TIPO

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