The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) announced on 11^th February 2022 that for patent applications filed in electronic forms, the CNIPA will no longer accept requests for paper certificates as of 1^st March 1 2022. The patent certificates will be issued exclusively through the electronic patent application system. Patentees may access China Patent Online at cponline.cnipa.gov.cn to validate the authenticity of the electronic certificates.

In early 2020, the CNIPA has ceased issuing paper patent certificates, unless specifically requested by the patentees. This transitional period will officially end on 1^st March 2022, heralding a paperless era for patent certificates.

With overwhelming advantages in issuance, information updating, using and authentication, electronic patent certificates simplify procedures at the granting stage, bring convenience to patent practitioners in China and usher in welcome changes to this industry in the digital era.

Authored by Rui Wang