Important Update: China To Require XML Format For All Patent E-Filings From 2026

The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has announced that starting January 1, 2026, all patent-related documents submitted electronically must be in XML format. This change applies to new applications, re-examination requests, invalidation requests, and other procedures.

Documents required to be submitted in XML format includes: Chinese national application documents for inventions, utility models, and designs; international application documents entering the Chinese national phase under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT); re-examination request documents; invalidation request documents; and other documents such as requests, declarations, statements of opinion, and amendments submitted during various procedures.