A China design patent application needs six product images, applicant details and a signed power of attorney. Design patents are not substantively examined, so the process is fast: most grants land between 6 and 12 months from filing.
Documents you need
- Six views: front, back, left, right, top and bottom
- Product name and a one-line description
- Applicant name and address exactly as in official documents
- Signed power of attorney, template provided
Image rules that decide the outcome
CNIPA is strict about images. A plain background, consistent scale across views, and no text baked into the picture all matter. The most common problems we see are missing views, mixed photos and renders, and images where the background hides the outline. We check images before filing and ask for retakes when needed. That is why our Standard plan includes a compliance check.
The timeline
- Filing: application number on day one
- Formal examination: CNIPA checks documents and images
- Publication and grant: typically 6 to 12 months from filing
Official fees through grant, including the first year annuity, are about $180 and are itemized on your invoice.
Mistakes to avoid
Filing a logo as a design patent is the most common misunderstanding: a logo belongs in a trademark, not a design patent. Also remember that a design patent protects appearance only, not how the product works. If your product has both a distinctive look and a functional improvement, you may want both a design patent and a utility model. Send us your product photos and we will tell you what fits.
