The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has launched a pilot program to prioritize examination of invention patents filed in mainland China by applicants from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region since January 1, 2023. For eligible patent applications for inventions submitted by applicants from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, requests for prioritized examination may be submitted through the Guangzhou Agency and the Shenzhen Agency of the CNIPA. Over the past three years, nearly 200 invention patent applications submitted by applicants from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have entered the prioritized examination pathway under this program. Starting January 1, 2026, the CNIPA will implement the program on a regular basis to further support Hong Kong Special Administrative Region residents in protecting their intellectual property in mainland China more conveniently and efficiently, thereby promoting innovation and development in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

(Source: the CNIPA)