›All documents in Chinese — translation mandatory
›File at CNIPA; PCT national phase within 30 months (2-month grace available)
›Preliminary examination → publication at 18 months
›Request substantive examination within 36 months (non-extendable)
›Examination report reply: 4 months + 2-month extension
›Grant fee payment within 2 months of notice
›Utility model: preliminary exam only — faster and more economical
›Patent Term Extension available for pharmaceutical patents (max 5 years)
›CRITICAL: China is first-to-file — register before entering the market
›File through CNIPA or via Madrid Protocol
›Register Latin-script AND Chinese character versions separately
›Multi-class filing permitted; China Classification (aligned with Nice)
›Opposition: 3 months from publication (non-extendable)
›Non-use for 3 consecutive years makes mark cancellable
›All documents must be in Chinese; POA required
›File at CNIPA; all documents in Chinese
›Term: 15 years from filing
›Convention priority: 6 months (Paris Convention)
›Minimum 6 views + perspective view required
›Product title, intended use and key features must be described