Full-Service Law Firm solving complex challenges through bold thinking, precise execution, and shared purpose.

Full Service Law Firm | Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Specializing in the Intersection of Business &amp; Government

Meet our team of trusted advisors, strategic thinkers, and community builders dedicated to client success.

Learn about our full-service legal and business solutions, designed to address complex challenges for leading organizations across industries.

Access thought leadership, news, and resources to stay informed about the latest trends, legal developments, and industry innovations.

Discover how partnership, bold thinking, and precise execution drive results for clients nationwide.

Explore how our national reach and local expertise support clients across the United States and beyond.

Grow at a firm designed to bring out your best.

The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) recently implemented amendments to its Patent Examination Guidelines under Decision No. 84, which took effect on January 1, 2026. While Decision No. 84 introduced multiple changes to China’s patent examination framework, one provision—the requirement for inventor identity information—has received significant attention and been the subject of concern among international applicants. The original draft required all inventors listed in patent applications to provide their full name, nationality, and an identity document number (such as a passport or driver’s license) at the time of filing instructions. This raised immediate questions regarding data privacy, storage, and compliance for global applicants.

core/paragraph

In response, CNIPA issued updated guidance on December 31, 2025, clarifying that the identity document number field for foreign inventors—including those from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan—may now be left blank in the e‑filing system. In other words, identification numbers for non-Chinese inventors are no longer mandatory at the time of filing. However, ID card numbers for Chinese inventors remain mandatory, and nationality information for all inventors must still be provided at the time of filing. This revision significantly reduces the administrative and privacy burden for global applicants while maintaining CNIPA’s authenticity requirements for Chinese inventors.

Applicants should update their internal inventor intake forms to reflect these changes and ensure compliance with the new rules. We will continue to monitor these rules closely and provide updates as they develop. Companies with questions or concerns are encouraged to reach out to their contacts at Michael Best for guidance on implementing these changes effectively.

Technical drawings of mechanical parts shown as detailed line diagrams on a white background.

Technical mechanical drawings featuring detailed line diagrams and measurements.

China Revises Inventor ID Requirements for Patent Filings – Effective January 1, 2026

Related People

Related Capabilities

You may also be interested in these

Judge Dismisses DOJ Antisemitism Case Against Harvard: What Universities Need to Know

Partner Jorge Leon Named a 2026 Notable Leader in Accounting, Consulting, & Law

Managing Partner Kerryann Haase Minton Named a 2026 Notable Leader in Accounting, Consulting, & Law