For many foreign companies interested in the broader Asian market, Hong Kong is a strategically important jurisdiction. However, because of its unique legal framework, domestic and foreign companies alike are confused by how IP protection works in Hong Kong. Missteps in such understanding can lead to critical, costly “gaps” in IP protection. To safeguard innovations effectively in Hong Kong, be aware of these four common misconceptions: Hong Kong IP protection goes well beyond a simple registration of a Chinese or European/UK patent. There are many strategies and multi-layered approaches for protecting IP in this key jurisdiction. If you would like to have more information on this matter or would like…
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Updates on Hong Kong Patents Examination Guidelines in 2024
The Intellectual Property Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (HKIPD) has recently made several updates to the Hong Kong Patents Examination Guidelines, effective from 26 January, 2024. These changes mainly clarify and reflect the Registry’s current practices regarding patent examination for Standard Patent (R) Applications, Standard Patent (O) Applications (i.e., Original Grant Patents (OGP)), and Short-Term Patent Applications. We briefly summarize the key revisions below: Section 1: Novelty – This section only made a minor textual revision to correct a typographical error to refer to the correct section (from section 1.61 to 1.62) in 1.61. The change made is…
- Accelerated Patent Examination, China, China Patent Office, CNIPA, Hong Kong, Inventions, Prioritized Examination
BREAKING NEWS: New Pilot Program for Hong Kong Applicants to get Accelerated Patent Examination in the Chinese Patent Office Starting January 1, 2023
New year, new resolutions! The CNIPA has recently announced a pilot program that provides Hong Kong applicants the opportunity to expedite their patent applications filed in China. Starting 1 Jan 2023, Hong Kong permanent residents and entities legally registered in Hong Kong can request prioritized examination for their invention patent applications before the CNIPA. To be eligible, the patent application must be: To request a prioritized examination, the applicant will need to submit a request form along with other required documents to the CNIPA at one of the representative offices in Guangdong or Shenzhen, by mail or in person. Of particular note, applicants must submit information about the existing technology…
