TIPS^®  Taiwan Intellectual Property Special

Feature

Patent agencies legitimately formed are allowed to represent foreign entities

Under current provision, foreign entities that have no habitual residence or business office in China, shall designate a patent agency appointed by the patent administrative department of the State Council to apply for a patent. The 2008 amendment removes the special appointment requirement and opens the door to all patent agencies that are legally established under the law. It is expected that such a change will result in the increase of available patent agencies that may act on behalf of foreign applicants from nearly 200 to 700 agencies.