Key Practice Notes & Action Points

The latest amendments to the Patent Examination Guidelines, effective January 1, 2026, introduce several important changes impacting filing strategies and prosecution practice. Below is a structured summary of the key updates and practical considerations.

1. Same-Day Dual Filings (Invention + Utility Model)

Key Change:
It is no longer permissible to obtain two patents for the same invention through claim amendments in the invention application.

Updated Rule (Part II, Chapter 3, Section 6.2.2):

·           If the same applicant files both an invention patent and a utility model for the same subject matter on the same day:

o           The applicant must disclose the existence of the parallel filing at the time of application.

o           If disclosure is not made → only one patent right can be granted (per Patent Law Article 9).

o           If disclosure is made:

§           The applicant must abandon the utility model before the invention patent is granted.

§           If the applicant refuses → the invention application will be rejected.

§           No response → deemed withdrawn.

·           Where the applicant elects to abandon a granted utility model patent, the following procedure applies:

§           The applicant must submit a written declaration of abandonment when responding to the Office Action for the corresponding invention patent application.

§           If the invention patent application meets the requirements for grant, the Patent Office will: Issue a Notice of Allowance for the invention patent application; and forward the written declaration of abandonment to the relevant department for registration and publication.

§           The official publication will specify that the utility model patent right is terminated as of the date of the announcement of the grant of the invention patent.

Practice Tip:

·           Always include cross-disclosure at filing.

·           Plan early which right (UM vs. invention) will ultimately be maintained.

2. Inventor Information Requirements

New Mandatory Fields (for all inventors):

1.        Name

2.        Nationality or region

3.        Identification number

Specific Requirements:

·           Chinese nationals: Must provide PRC ID number

·           Non-Chinese nationals:

o           No restriction on ID type

o           Must provide a valid number (e.g., passport, driver’s license)

Practical Note:

·           Current practice is not strictly enforced for foreign inventors lacking ID numbers.

·           If unavailable:

o           May leave blank initially

o           Monitor for office actions requesting supplementation

3. Sequence Listing Fee Rules

Key Change:
Sequence listings submitted in compliant electronic format will not count toward excess page fees.

Requirements:

·           Must be submitted in ST.26 XML format

·           Must be filed electronically

Practice Notes:

·           Electronic ST.26 sequence listings → no additional page fees

·           Paper filings → still subject to page-based fees

4. Amendments in Invalidation Proceedings

New Requirement:
When amending claims during invalidation proceedings, patentees must submit:

·           Full replacement set of claims, and

·           Claim amendment comparison table (new standardized form)

Notes:

·           This is not the traditional marked-up comparison page

·           CNIPA will provide an official template via the website

Effective Scope:

·           Applies to invalidation requests filed on or after January 1, 2026