What Type of China Patent Should You File? How Much Does It Cost? And Is Chengdu Yuhang Patent Agency the Right Choice?
By Xing Zhiyong, China Patent Attorney | August 2026
If you're a foreign inventor or small business considering a patent in China, you have three questions on your mind:
- What type of patent should I file?
- How much is it going to cost?
- Can I trust the firm handling it?
Let me answer all three — directly and transparently.
Part 1: What Type of Patent Should You File?
China offers three types of patents. Choosing the right one depends on your invention and your business goals.
1. Invention Patent (发明专利)
What it protects: Products, methods, processes, chemical compounds, software algorithms, and uses.
Duration: 20 years from filing date.
Examination: Substantive examination — CNIPA reviews whether your invention is novel, inventive, and industrially applicable.
Grant timeline: 2–4 years on average.
Cost: Higher than other types, due to the complexity of examination.
Best for:
- Breakthrough technologies
- Chemical or pharmaceutical inventions
- Software and AI innovations
- Processes and manufacturing methods
- Long‑term, high‑value products
When to choose: If your invention is genuinely new and non‑obvious, and you want the strongest, longest protection available.
2. Utility Model Patent (实用新型专利)
What it protects: Only the shape, structure, or mechanical connections of a physical product — not methods, processes, or chemical compositions.
Duration: 10 years from filing date.
Examination: Formal examination only — no substantive review of novelty or inventive step. This means faster grant, but the patent can be challenged later for validity.
Grant timeline: 6–12 months.
Cost: Significantly lower than invention patents.
Best for:
- Hardware devices
- Mechanical tools
- Consumer goods
- Products with a short market lifecycle
- Early‑stage startups that need fast, affordable protection
When to choose: If you have a physical product and you need protection now — while you're testing the market or waiting for an invention patent to grant.
3. Design Patent (外观设计专利)
What it protects: The appearance, shape, pattern, or color combination of a product — not its function or structure.
Duration: 15 years from filing date.
Examination: Formal and limited substantive examination.
Grant timeline: 6–12 months.
Cost: Similar to utility models.
Best for:
- Consumer electronics
- Furniture
- Fashion and accessories
- Packaging
- Products where appearance is a key selling point
When to choose: If the visual appearance of your product is what sets it apart from competitors.
Which One Should You Choose?
| If Your Invention Is... | Choose... |
|---|---|
| A new chemical compound, software method, or manufacturing process | Invention Patent |
| A new mechanical product or device, and you need fast protection | Utility Model Patent |
| A product where appearance matters more than function | Design Patent |
| A high‑value innovation with a 10‑year+ market life | Invention Patent |
| A product you want to test before committing to full protection | Utility Model + Invention later |
Most foreign inventors start with a utility model patent because it is fast, affordable, and provides enforceable rights while they develop their product and decide on a longer‑term strategy.
Part 2: How Much Does It Cost?
We believe in transparent, fixed‑fee pricing — no hidden costs, no hourly billing, no surprises.
Here are our standard packages (service fees only; CNIPA official fees are additional and passed through at cost):
| Patent Type | What's Included | Service Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Utility Model Patent | Drafting, translation, filing, formal examination handling, and grant | $1,200 – $1,500 |
| Design Patent | Drafting, translation, filing, and grant | $800 – $1,200 |
| Invention Patent (Basic) | Drafting, translation, filing, formal examination, and publication | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| Invention Patent (Standard) | Basic + substantive examination request + first office action response | $4,000 – $4,500 |
| Office Action Response | Per office action (if additional beyond the first) | $800 – $1,200 each |
Note on CNIPA Official Fees (2026 estimates, subject to change):
| Fee Type | Invention | Utility Model | Design |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filing fee | ~$50 | ~$30 | ~$20 |
| Substantive examination request | ~$350 | N/A | N/A |
| Publication fee | ~$25 | ~$15 | ~$10 |
| Annual maintenance fees (after grant) | Increasing over time | Increasing over time | Increasing over time |
Your total cost (service + official fees) is typically:
| Patent Type | Total Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Utility Model | $1,300 – $1,700 |
| Design | $850 – $1,300 |
| Invention (Basic) | $2,800 – $3,800 |
| Invention (Standard) | $4,300 – $4,800 |
We provide you with a detailed, written quote before any work begins — so you always know exactly what you're paying for.
Part 3: Is Chengdu Yuhang Patent Agency Reliable?
This is the most important question — and the one you should ask before trusting anyone with your invention.
Here is why the answer is yes.
1. We Are CNIPA‑Licensed and Registered
Chengdu Yuhang Patent Agency (General Partnership) is fully licensed by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).
- Registration No.: 51283
- You can verify our registration directly on the CNIPA website.
This means:
- We are legally authorized to represent foreign applicants
- We are subject to professional and ethical oversight
- We are accountable to the Chinese patent system
If an agency is not CNIPA-licensed, they cannot represent you. We are. That is your first guarantee of reliability.
2. We Are Not Just a 'Typical' Patent Firm — We Are Innovators
Many patent agencies just process applications. They file forms. They collect fees. They do not add value beyond the basics.
We are different.
Chengdu Yuhang Patent Agency is a pioneer in two groundbreaking methodologies:
A. The 'Patent Parts' (专利零件) Methodology
This is a proprietary approach developed by our founding team. It breaks down complex inventions into core components — treating each part as a separate patentable 'part' that can be protected and licensed independently.
What this means for you:
- Stronger protection — Your invention is protected at multiple levels
- More licensing opportunities — You can license individual 'parts' to different partners
- Better defense against copycats — Copying your product requires copying multiple protected 'parts,' making it harder to get away with it
This is not a standard approach. It is a strategic advantage we offer our clients.
B. The Rongdu Principle (容度原理)
The Rongdu Principle is a mathematical framework for optimizing complex systems — originally developed for scientific research and space governance. Our team has applied the same rigorous approach to patent strategy design.
What this means for you:
- Your patent application is designed not just to pass examination — but to be maximally enforceable, defensible, and commercially valuable
- We use data‑driven analysis to determine the best claims, the best filing strategy, and the best timing
- We are not guessing — we are calculating
No other patent firm offers you the Rongdu Principle approach. It is exclusive to Chengdu Yuhang.
3. We Specialize in Foreign Individual and Small Business Clients
Many Chinese patent agencies focus on large domestic corporations. They are not set up to handle foreign individuals.
We are different.
We built our practice specifically for inventors like you — individuals and small businesses outside China who need a reliable, accessible, and transparent partner.
- We speak your language — Bilingual support in English and Chinese, direct communication with your attorney
- We understand your world — We know the U.S., European, and international patent systems
- We respect your budget — Fixed‑fee packages designed for small businesses and individual inventors
- We move fast — 2–4 weeks from disclosure to filing
4. Transparency and Trust Are Non‑Negotiable
We do not do hidden fees. We do not do hourly billing. We do not keep you in the dark.
- You know your filing date before we file
- You know the cost before we start
- You know the status of your application at every stage
- You speak directly with the person handling your case
We want you to recommend us to your friends, partners, and colleagues. That only happens if you trust us.
What Our Clients Say (and Why We Don't Need to Make It Up)
We have helped inventors from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many other countries.
They come back to us because:
- We file fast
- We respond to office actions effectively
- We communicate clearly
- We charge what we say we will charge
We do not publish client names without permission. But we are happy to connect you with past clients who have agreed to share their experience.
The Bottom Line
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What type of patent should I file? | Utility model for fast protection, invention for long‑term strength, design for appearance — or a combination |
| How much will it cost? | $1,300–$1,700 for a utility model; $2,800–$4,800 for an invention patent — all‑in, fixed fees |
| Is Chengdu Yuhang reliable? | Yes — CNIPA‑licensed, innovative, transparent, and built for foreign clients |
We Are Ready to Help You
Chengdu Yuhang Patent Agency (General Partnership) is not just your agent. We are your strategic partner in China.
- CNIPA Registration No.: 51283
- Innovation: Patent Parts Methodology + Rongdu Principle
- Specialization: Foreign individuals and small businesses
- Pricing: Fixed‑fee, transparent, no surprises
'Your invention is unique. Your protection should be too.'
Contact us for a free 15‑minute case review.
???? +86 28 84400310
???? rongduyuanli@163.com
???? CNIPA Registration No.: 51283
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Patent laws vary by jurisdiction. Consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
