PATENT FEES TO BE AD-JUSTED

01/01/2004

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The amended Patent Act was promulgated by the President on 6 February 2003. It introduces several major changes into the patent practice, such as the switch to formality examination for new utility model applications, abolition of re-examination procedures for new utility model applications, and the abolition of opposition procedures. In view of these changes, the Intel-lectual Property Office (IPO) is amending the Rules of Patent Fees, and held a public meeting on 8 December 2003 to solicit opinion and sug-gestions from the general public. The main amendments proposed include the following:

Increase application fees for invention patent applications;

Reduce application fees for new utility model patent applications;

Reduce recordation fees for assignment, in-heritance, creation of a pledge, and licensing;

Reduce patent certificate fees and relevant annuity payments; and

Provide rules for handling fees already paid for new utility model patent applications that are not yet examined at the time when the amended Patent Act takes effect.

After considering the opinion and suggestions received, the IPO will complete its amendments to the Rules of Patent Fees. We will follow up its developments and keep readers updated.