The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) recently launched the "Belt and Road" Patent Examination Pilot Project. This two-year initiative, set to end on January 19, 2027, aims to streamline the patent application process for foreign businesses from "Belt and Road" countries. Through this project, eligible applicants can request an accelerated examination for their Chinese patent applications, allowing for quicker protection of their innovations in China.

Under this program, companies from participating countries can request an expedited review if their patent office has already deemed at least one claim patentable. No additional fees are required for this expedited process. However, CNIPA will accept only 1,000 requests for accelerated examinations each year, with a limit of 100 requests per participating office.

This initiative offers significant benefits for foreign enterprises seeking to enter or expand in the Chinese market. By shortening the patent examination period, companies can quickly secure their intellectual property rights and enhance their competitiveness. It also highlights China’s commitment to improving intellectual property cooperation and boosting foreign investment in its market.

If you have any inquiries regarding intellectual property matters in Greater China, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

Mark WANG, GUOFUWENJIA LAW/ S&O IP China, Senior Associate