In a significant move to enhance patent examination efficiency and advance the digital transformation of its intellectual property system, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has announced the full implementation of e-filing in Extensible Markup Language (XML) format.
According to the official notice released on November 12, 2025, titled "Comprehensive Implementation of Submitting Patent Electronic Documents in Extensible Markup Language (XML) Format," all electronic filings submitted on or after January 1, 2026, must comply with the new XML requirement.
Key Highlights of the New Mandate:
1. Mandatory XML Format Effective January 1, 2026
As of the start of 2026, CNIPA will exclusively accept patent electronic documents in XML format for all electronically handled matters. This includes patent applications, re-examination requests, invalidation declarations, and related formalities. Submissions in any non-XML electronic format will no longer be accepted after this date.
2. Comprehensive Scope of Application
The mandate applies to a wide range of procedures and documents, ensuring a unified standard across the patent ecosystem. The required XML submissions cover:
National applications for inventions, utility models, and designs.
International applications entering the Chinese national phase under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
Documents for re-examination and invalidation requests.
Other requests, declarations, statements, and amendments submitted during various procedures.
A detailed list of files that must be uploaded in XML format is available in the annex to CNIPA's notice.
3. Technical Standards and Tools
To facilitate a smooth transition, CNIPA has specified that all XML files must adhere to its published data standards, with one key exception: nucleotide and amino acid sequence listings must follow the WIPO ST.26 standard.
Essential resources, including the data specification standards, XML conversion tools, and user manuals, are available for download in the "Tools Download" section of the CNIPA's patent service system at: http://cponline.cnipa.gov.cn
4. Call for Proactive Preparation
CNIPA urges all applicants and patent agencies to optimize their business processes and strengthen quality control measures. It is the responsibility of the filer to ensure that all submitted XML files are accurate and complete. While remedies may be available for errors arising from XML conversion if sufficient evidence is provided, the emphasis is on prevention through careful preparation and verification.
What This Means for Our Clients
This shift to a standardized, machine-readable XML format is designed to streamline the entire patent process, leading to faster processing and more efficient examination. As your trusted partner in navigating the Chinese IP landscape, our agency is fully equipped and prepared for this transition.
We are already working with the official standards and tools to ensure that all your future filings are fully compliant, accurate, and submitted seamlessly. Please feel free to contact our team for any assistance in adapting to this new requirement or if you have questions about your specific cases.
Source: https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/art/2025/11/12/art_75_202551.html
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