Many companies do not have a clear understanding of patent applications at the beginning of their development. Although their products have applied for patents, they often cannot be used domestically due to geographical restrictions. In fact, because the patent itself is regional, its patent rights are limited. To obtain a patent, you must apply for and obtain authorization from the patent administrative department of a country before you can enjoy monopoly rights within the jurisdiction of that country. That is why there are Chinese patents, U.S. patents, etc., so let’s learn about the existing foreign patents and domestic patents. Can I apply?
The answer to this question is of course yes. Foreign patents can be applied for in China. If you apply for a foreign patent, it means that you can receive legal protection abroad. Only by applying for a patent in China again can you obtain comprehensive protection. International protection, naturally, there is a big difference between applying for a patent domestically and applying for a patent abroad.
Domestic patent application process:
1. Application stage: Applicants need to prepare application materials and submit a patent application to the Patent Office.
2. Preliminary examination: After the patent application is accepted, the applicant will enter the preliminary examination stage after paying the patent application fee. It mainly examines whether the patent itself meets the requirements of relevant laws and regulations, whether the application materials are complete, and whether the format meets the requirements.
3. Patent publication: After the patent review is passed, the applied patent can be published and protected by law.
4. Substantive examination: After the patent is announced, the patent will enter the substantive examination stage. During the substantive examination, the patent application will be comprehensively examined on the novelty, inventiveness, practicality and other substantive conditions stipulated in the Patent Law.
5. Patent authorization: After passing the substantive examination, the Patent Office will grant the patent right and issue a patent certificate.
The above introduction is relevant knowledge about whether foreign patents can still be applied for in China. Patent rights are regional, and the patent system of each country is independent. In fact, if you apply in China If you have a patent, you will enjoy the monopoly rights of the patent. However, if you do not apply for a patent in other countries, the patent will not be protected in other countries and can be used arbitrarily. Therefore, foreign patents can be applied for in China. If you are not very clear about the domestic patent application process, You can learn more about it in detail, so the success rate of your application will be greatly improved.