Some highlights follow:

•        Applicants can submit partial designs starting June 1, 2021. However, CNIPA will not examine partial designs until the implementation regulations are released.

•        Applicants can request for patent term adjustments for any invention patent application granted on or after June 1, 2021. The requests must be filed within 3 months of grant. CNIPA will examine the requests once the implementation rules are released. 

•        CNIPA will begin examining applications for good faith requirements (Article 20, Paragraph 1 of the Patent Law) starting June 1, 2021. 

•        Design patent term is 15 years from filing only for design applications filed on or after June 1, 2021.