A utility model patent is a type of patent that protects a technical solution, which is mainly used to protect the shape, structure or combination thereof. Compared with invention patents, the application process for utility model patents is simpler and the examination period is shorter. The following is the latest guide to applying for utility model patents in 2024 for reference.
1. Prepare the application documents
A utility model application requires a series of documents to be prepared, including:
Utility model patent application: contains basic information such as the applicant's information and the title of the invention.
Description: Describe the content of the invention, the technical solution and its beneficial effects in detail, and submit the drawings of the description if there are drawings.
Abstract and drawings of the abstract: A brief description of the technical points and main drawings of the invention.
Claims: Clearly define the scope of patent protection.
Utility model patent technology disclosure: detailed technical background, invention content, specific embodiment, etc.
Documents proving the identity and qualifications of the subject: the details of the applicant and inventor, as well as a copy of the business license or ID card, etc.
2. Submit the application to the Patent Office
Applicants can choose to submit their application in the following two ways:
Paper application: Submit or mail to the reception hall of the Patent Office of the State Intellectual Property Office, or the patent agency in various places.
Electronic application: Submit online through the CPC client or the web version of the electronic application system.
3. The Patent Office accepts the examination
After receiving the application documents, the patent office will conduct a preliminary examination to confirm whether the file format and content are complete and whether they meet the conditions for acceptance. If the examination is passed, a notice of acceptance and a notice of payment of the application fee will be issued; If it is not qualified, a notice of inadmissibility will be issued, and the applicant can request administrative reconsideration within 60 days of receiving the notice.
4. Pay the application fee
The application fee for a utility model patent is 500 yuan, and if the conditions for fee reduction are met and the application fee is reduced, you can enjoy a 70% or 85% reduction, and the actual fee is 150 yuan or 75 yuan.
5. Preliminary Examination
The examiner of the patent office will conduct a preliminary examination of the application in accordance with the Patent Law, the Implementing Rules of the Patent Law and the Examination Guidelines, and check whether it meets the requirements for granting a utility model patent. If so, a notice of grant of patent will be issued; If the applicant does not meet the requirements, a notice of amendment or a notice of reasons for refusal will be issued, and the applicant will be required to submit a correction or response within the specified time limit.
6. Check-in
After receiving the notice of grant of patent right, the applicant needs to complete the registration procedures within the prescribed time, including the payment of the patent registration fee, the annual fee for the year of grant, the printing fee for the publication and the stamp duty on the patent certificate.
7. Issuance of certificates
After completing the registration formalities, the applicant will receive a utility model patent certificate, which usually takes 2-3 months.
8. Time required
The whole process of applying for a utility model patent, including application, acceptance, examination, authorization and issuance of certificate, generally takes 6-8 months. The specific time will vary depending on the completeness of the application documents, the progress of the examiner's work, and other factors.
The process of applying for a utility model patent is relatively simple, but the details are crucial. In order to ensure a smooth and error-free application process, it is recommended to choose a professional agency to handle it on your behalf. As a reliable patent agency, MultiBank is able to provide professional consulting and prosecution services to provide strong support for your patent application.