SIPO’s patent examination quality complaints platform had operated well since its launch on July 22, 2011. To collect public complaints and suggestions about patent examination more comprehensively and continuously improve examination quality, SIPO upgraded the service to the Patent Examination Complaints Platform, which formally began operating on January 20, 2012.
The platform’s address is http://scywts.sipo.gov.cn/.
Members of the public may use the platform as registered or anonymous users to complain about various aspects of patent examination. SIPO will promptly receive and process complaints and respond within the prescribed period. Registered users can check whether their complaints have been received and track their progress.
Complaints about examination quality do not replace submissions concerning a particular patent application or the initiation of legal proceedings. Anyone dissatisfied with a decision or specific administrative act of SIPO’s Patent Office or Patent Reexamination Board must, within the prescribed time limit, seek reexamination, request invalidation, apply for administrative reconsideration or bring an action before the People’s Court, as appropriate.
A response to a complaint merely explains the issues raised. It is neither an administrative decision nor an office action and has no legal effect.
By the end of 2011, the quality complaints platform had received 113 complaints, all of which had been answered and handled promptly. It had become an effective channel of communication between patent examination authorities and the public, attracting widespread attention and praise. Report dated February 3, 2012.
Source: http://www.cipnews.com.cn/zgzscqb/html/2012-02/03/content_20257.htm?div=-1