What is a “grace period”?

A grace period is a period of time before the date of filing a patent application during which certain kinds of disclosure of the creation would be excluded when determining the novelty and inventive step of the creation. The duration is 12 months for invention or utility model, and 6…

When should I provide a Chinese translation if I filed in a language other than Chinese? Can I make a request for an extension of the time period?

The Chinese translations of those foreign language documents must be provided within 4 months for invention and design patent application, and 2 months for utility model patent application from the date of submitting the foreign language documents. Prior to the expiration of the time period, the applicant may make a…

Can I add a further inventor to, or delete an inventor from, a patent application that has already been filed?

For adding a further inventor, the applicant must submit a written request, accompanied by documents of proof with respect to the consent from each designated inventor (newly added inventor(s) included). For deleting an inventor, the applicant must submit a written request, accompanied by a statement from the deleted inventor declaring…

What is a “trademark”?

A “trademark” is a sign that is used to distinguish one’s goods or services from those provided by others. As the economy, culture, and the market diversify, the types of trademarks may now include a packaging design, three-dimensional object, sound, or even a scent. In the Republic of China, a…