AFD China Newsletter - March 2022

China Has Ceased Issuing Paper Patent Certificates

According to the CNIPA announcement 427 released February 11, 2022, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) would no longer accept requests for paper patent certificates of e-filed patent applications from March 1, 2022.

The authenticity of the e-certificate can be verified through China patent electronic application system.

https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/art/2022/2/11/art_74_173171.html

Trademark Examination and Trial Guide Responded to Public Concerns

Recently, the Trademark Office of CNIPA issued four policy interpretations of the Trademark Examination and Trial Guide (hereinafter referred to as the "Guide"), interpreting key issues in the formulation of the Guide from the aspects of the examination and trial of a bad faith application for trademark registration for a purpose other than use, signs that may not be used as trademarks, distinctiveness of trademarks and well-known trademark