2. TIP #1) FileTM Application w/o Delay
First-to-file wins in China
▪ Unlike first-to-use in U.S.
▪ Difficult to cancel troll’sTM registration
▪ $$$ to troll for license or for infringement
▪ $$$ to re-brand
3. TIP #2) Prepare ChineseVersion ofTM
LiteralWordTranslation: English-to-Chinese
▪ Often not best (e.g., if lack clear meaning, pronunciation)
Transliteration: Similar sounding
▪ But beware of meaning
Source: https://www.ipopang.com/blog/business-in-china/should-you-register-your-trademark-in-chinese/
Translation based on meaning:
▪ Source: https://download.atlantis-press.com/article/12527.pdf
4. TIP #3) Remember No** Grace Period
In U.S.: 1-year “grace period”
▪ Public Disclosure + 1 year = deadline
to file U.S. patent application
In China: no** grace period
▪ **In very rare circumstances: 6-month grace period
5. TIP #4) CarefullyChoose PatentType
In U.S.:
▪ Design Patent
▪ Utility Patent
▪ Machines, articles of manufacture, processes, compositions of
matter
In China:
▪ Design Patent
▪ Utility Model Patent
▪ Invention Patent
▪ Most similar to U.S. “Utility Patent”
6. TIP #5) Request Examination
“Examination” – Patent Examiner evaluates patentability of
claimed invention
In U.S.: Automatic
▪ (Does not apply to provisional applications)
In China: Not automatic
▪ (Does not apply to utility model applications)
▪ Request examination within 3 years of priority date (or,
otherwise, filing date)
7. TIP #6) Don’t Fear Software Patents
In U.S.: Difficult-to-impossible
▪ 35 U.S.C. § 101
▪ Abstract ideas not patentable subject matter
In China: Easier (perhaps)
▪ If (software) invention made in the U.S., can’t skip right to
Chinese patent application filing
▪ Need foreign filing license 1st
8. TIP #7) AllowTime forTranslation
Common U.S. China patenting approach:
▪ 1st: File U.S. application (optional)
▪ 2nd: File international (PCT) application
▪ 3rd: Enter “national phase” in China by 30-months
▪ Other countries (e.g., Japan) allow translations to be submitted after
national phase entry
▪ National Phase Entry in China may be extended to 32-months with
fee
▪ Prepare translation specifically for Chinese Patent Office (CNIPA (f/k/a
SIPO)) filing
9. TIP #8) Recraft Application for CN Filing
Explicit, textural support for all aspects of invention you may want to claim
▪ E.g., “Feature X has a flat top surface”
rather than relying upon a drawing
alone
Describe particular feature
combinations you may want to claim
▪ E.g., “The pencil has a hexagonal cross-sectional shape, graphite lead, a balsa wood body, and a
rubber eraser” rather than “The pencil may be circular, square, hexagonal, etc. …The body may
be wood, plastic, or metallic. …There may be an eraser.”
Use Metric System rather than Imperial System
▪ E.g., “177°C” rather than “350°F”
(better yet: “177°C (350°F)”)
FIG. 1:
X
10. TIP #9) MakeVoluntary Amendments
Multiple chances to amend Chinese application before
examination
Add new claims and/or broaden claims
▪ (As-filed application must provide support)
Amend claims to correspond to allowable claims from
counterpart(s) (e.g., claims allowed in U.S.)
▪ May avoid rejections Saves time and $$$
11. TIP #10) Use Patent Prosecution Hwy
Often, 1st application (e.g., in U.S.) examined before Chinese application
Expedite Chinese examination with PPH Request if:
▪ Same** claims allowed in 1st (e.g., U.S.) patent application
▪ Chinese examination hasn’t started
Common results by using PPH:
▪ Faster examination (~1 year under PPH vs. ~2 years)
▪ Fewer rejections saves $$$
▪ Higher rates of allowance
12. TIP #1) FileTM Application w/o Delay
TIP #2) Prepare ChineseVersion ofTM
TIP #3) Remember No** Grace Period
TIP #4) Carefully Choose PatentType
TIP #5) Request Examination
TIP #6) Don’t Fear Software Patents
TIP #7) AllowTime forTranslation
TIP #8) RecraftApplication for CN Filing
TIP #9) MakeVoluntary Amendments
TIP #10) Use Patent Prosecution Hwy