Hong Kong will be launching a new patent system on December 19, 2019 that includes key changes, most notably the introduction of an original grant patent system. This new patent system includes both the Patents (Amendment) Ordinance 2016 and the Patents (General) (Amendment) Rules 2019. Currently, there are two types of patent applications available in Hong Kong – standard patent application (re-registration) and short-term patent application. The most noticeable change in the new patent system is the introduction of an original grant patent (OGP) system to provide an alternative route to those seeking standard (20-year) patent protection in Hong Kong. Under the new system, patent applicants will have the option…