Jiangxia DONG 

According to the recent updated Chinese Patent Examination Guideline, starting from January 1, 2026, when filing Chinese patent applications, the nationality and official ID Number (or passport number) of ALL inventors need to be submitted upon filing patent applications in China. This requirement applies to all types of patent applications (namely, invention, utility model and design applications) to be filed on or after January 1, 2026, including direct filings, PCT national phase entries, as well as divisional filings.

To ensure timely filings without any potential delays, we kindly suggest you and your team to gather the required inventor information in advance, and send to us in your future order letters.

Specifically, the key points are summarized below:

1.  Valid official ID Number:

(1) For inventors from Mainland China: it is required to provide Chinese ID Card Number.

(2) For inventors from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, as well as non-Chinese inventors: Any valid official identification number (e.g., passport, ID card) will be acceptable. There is no restriction on the types of ID.

2. Uncertainties:

The CNIPA’s e-filing system will be updated on January 1, 2026. According to our discussion with the CNIPA, if an inventor’s nationality and ID number are missing at the time of filing, the system may automatically generate an error and prevent the patent application from being filed. It remains unclear whether the inventor’s ID can be corrected or supplemented after filing. It also remains unclear whether a declaration can be submitted for inventors who have left the company and whose information is difficult to obtain.

We will continue to discuss with CNIPA to seek clarification on the above-mentioned uncertainties and will send you prompt update once the CNIPA’s attitude and practice are clearer.

Our Recommendations

To avoid the risk where applications can’t be filed due to the missing inventor’s nationality and ID number, we strongly recommend you start collecting the relevant information well before the actual filing in China and preferably include such information in your filing order letters.

We totally understand that this update may cause some inconvenience in your filing procedures. We are always here to support you during this transition period.