China’s CNIPA Announces Updated Patent Certificate Format Effective June 2024

China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has officially announced a revision to the format of patent certificates, as set forth in Announcement No. 581, published on May 16, 2024. The new design will take effect starting June 1, 2024, marking a significant update in how patent information is presented in China.

According to CNIPA, the revised patent certificates will adopt an A4 vertical format, replacing the previous layout. This change is intended to optimize and adjust the arrangement of recorded details on the certificates, enhancing clarity and usability.

A notable feature of the updated certificates is the inclusion of both the applicant(s) and inventor(s) as recorded at the time of filing the patent application. Additionally, the certificates will display the patentee(s) and inventor(s) at the time the patent is granted. This dual-stage information presentation provides a more comprehensive record of the patent’s lifecycle.

CNIPA has provided sample images of the new certificate format, illustrating the layout changes and the expanded information fields. These samples demonstrate the clearer distinction between applicants and patentees, as well as the inventor attribution at different procedural stages.

The announcement, titled "国家知识产权局关于专利证书改版的公告（第581号）" in Chinese, is currently available in the original language only. Stakeholders in the patent community, including applicants, patentees, and legal practitioners, are advised to familiarize themselves with the new certificate format ahead of its implementation.

This update reflects CNIPA’s ongoing efforts to streamline patent administration and improve the transparency and accuracy of patent documentation in China. The revised certificates are expected to facilitate better record-keeping and verification processes for intellectual property rights holders.

The change comes amid broader global trends toward modernizing IP documentation and enhancing the accessibility of patent information. Entities engaging with China’s patent system should prepare for the transition to the new certificate format starting June 1, 2024, to ensure compliance and smooth processing of patent rights.

For further details, the full text of the announcement is accessible through CNIPA’s official channels, though currently only in Chinese.