Obtaining a patent in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of the largest financial centers in Asia and an important platform for high-tech developments and innovative business. However, despite formally joining the PRC, Hong Kong retains autonomy in the field of patent legislation.
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What are the benefits of a patent in Hong Kong?
Protection from copying and competitors
A Hong Kong patent provides a legal mechanism to prevent others from using your invention without permission, protecting both the local market and the international transactions that pass through Hong Kong.
Commercialization opportunity
Local and international partners, investors, business incubators value the presence of patent protection. Existing legal protection measures allow for more effective search for partners, conclusion of licensing agreements and receipt of investments.
International reputation
Hong Kong is considered a separate jurisdiction in terms of intellectual property protection. Having a patent in Hong Kong increases the credibility of your invention and your company in the global market.
Why is it necessary to obtain a patent separately in Hong Kong apart from mainland China?
Although Hong Kong is part of China, its legal system operates under its own laws and rules, inherited from the English common law system. To fully protect innovation within Hong Kong, you must go through a separate registration process from mainland China.
“If your company is active in mainland China, it is important to remember that Hong Kong is essentially a different region with different legislation. To have a full-fledged legal umbrella in the field of design and innovation, it is necessary to have a patent in Hong Kong.” Ekaterina Kovaleva, Senior юрист
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Who is Hong Kong suitable for?
Unlike Singapore, which is heavily regulated, and mainland China, where administrative barriers can be a major obstacle to overseas business, Hong Kong offers a unique combination of flexibility, transparency and legal stability. Hong Kong is a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western business practices.
What are the advantages of our company as your partner in Hong Kong?
Specialization in Asian markets
We have been working with Hong Kong and Chinese patent attorneys for many years, know all the intricacies of local patent law and regularly support clients who need protection in Hong Kong.
Direct contacts with Hong Kong agents
We work with local attorneys directly, which speeds up the process and allows us to respond quickly to requests from the Hong Kong Patent Office.
Comprehensive support
Our team helps not only with formal registration, but also with practical issues: from patent searches and patentability assessments to negotiations with foreign partners.
How can we help you get a patent?
Conducting a patent search
We check the novelty of your invention and find out whether it has already been patented in Hong Kong or other countries (7-10 working days).
Patentability assessment
Together with technical specialists, we determine whether your solution meets the criteria of novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability.
Patent Application Preparation
We select the correct wording and patent formulas, and describe the invention in such a way as to cover the maximum scope of protection.
Legal support
We maintain contact with local patent attorneys, help promptly respond to examination requests, file objections or responses to comments, if required.
Post-registration support
We continue to support you even after receiving a patent, including helping to defend your rights in case of violations.
How to get a patent in Hong Kong in 7 steps?
Stage 1
Request for consultation
Our specialist will contact you, discuss the goals and object of patenting and answer your questions.
Stage 2
Preliminary audit and collection of documents
- Technical description of the invention: complete materials (drawings, diagrams, formulas, data on prototypes) confirming its essence.
- Information about заявителе : copies of documents confirming identity (for individuals) or company registration (for legal entities).
- Доверенность in English or Chinese.
- Переводы (if required): All documents submitted in English or Chinese. If the original is in another language, a notarized translation is required.
Stage 3
Selecting a patent type
- Short-term Patent :
The protection period is up to 8 years (with an extension after 4 years). The procedure is simpler and faster, but the range of rights may be narrower, and the examination is formal.
- Standard Patent (full patent):
The term of protection is up to 20 years (subject to payment of annual fees). It implies a more thorough check and, as a rule, provides more reliable protection.
Stage 4
Submitting an application
At this stage, we prepare and submit an application to the local patent office (IPD). The submission can be done either directly (if there is a Hong Kong representative) or through partners with whom we have been working for many years.
Stage 5
Application review
- The first stage is a formal examination (for all types of patents): the documents are checked for completeness and the presence of all necessary information. If everything is in order, the application goes further.
- The second stage is technical экспертиза (for Standard Patent) : they search the databases, check the novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability of the invention.
Stage 6
Publication and possible objections
After the examination, the application is published in the official bulletin. Third parties will have the opportunity to file an objection or request for cancellation if they believe that the invention does not meet the requirements for patentability.
In case of objections, we join the dialogue.
with the patent office and provide evidence of the validity of your application.
Stage 7
Registration and obtaining a patent
If there are no serious objections, you are granted a patent.
During the term of the patent, it is important to comply with the requirements for payment of maintenance fees, otherwise the patent may be revoked.
A short-term Patent can be obtained in 6-9 months, since basically only formal requirements are checked.
Standard Patent usually takes longer – 1-2 years (and even longer), given that sometimes registration takes place in two stages: initial registration in the “main” patent office (China, Europe, Great Britain, etc.), and then registration in Hong Kong.
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Why do more than 100 clients contact us every year?
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From collecting documents and visiting government agencies to obtaining a resident visa for founders and employees
Exactly according to the client's task
We open a company in a suitable jurisdiction and with the required form of registration, minimizing risks
We continue to help businesses
We not only open a company, but also provide expert legal, tax and accounting support for business
Team of experts
The team consists of 150+ experts who have successfully implemented more than 1000 projects in the UAE, USA, EU, Asia, other countries and regions.
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About Versus
Versus is a leading consulting group providing legal and accounting services in key foreign markets.
Over the years of working in the UAE and other MENA countries, we have acquired a deep knowledge of local legislation, which, combined with knowledge of international standards, allows us to offer solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client.
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Experts in offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
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Successfully completed projects on the law of the UAE and other countries of the MENA region
