On April 27, 2012, a patent inquiry system for applicants, patent proprietors, patent agencies and the public formally opened.
Users can follow the China Patent Inquiry Service System link on SIPO’s homepage or visit http://cpquery.sipo.gov.cn/ directly. After logging in as an ordinary user, they can view the Examination Information section for an invention patent application. It contains folders for application documents, prosecution documents, notices, undelivered correspondence, certificates and related records. These show the examination process and decisions at stages including filing, substantive examination and grant.
For applications filed on or after February 10, 2010, document images can also be viewed and downloaded.
One applicant explained that it had previously been difficult to find out an application’s examination stage. The new system allows applicants to check real-time status and monitor the progress of competitors’ applications. The applicant also said that greater openness and transparency reflected SIPO’s improving patent information services. Report dated May 8, 2012.
Source: http://www.ccipa.org/html/cxzx/xwsm/20120508/3599.html