CNIPA to Fully Implement the Submission of Electronic Patent Documents in XML Format

Recently, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has issued the Circular on Matters Concerning the Full Implementation of Submitting Electronic Patent Documents in Extensible Markup Language (XML) Format (the "Circular").

According to the Circular, starting from January 1, 2026 (inclusive), all patent applications, requests for reexamination, requests for invalidation, and related procedures handled electronically shall be submitted in XML format. The CNIPA will no longer accept electronic patent documents in non-XML formats. The Circular further clarifies that electronic patent documents required to be submitted in XML format include: national application documents in China for invention, utility model, and design patents; international application documents entering the national phase in China under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT); reexamination request documents; invalidation request documents; and other documents submitted in the course of various procedures, such as requests, declarations, statements of opinion, and amendments.



(Source: https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/art/2025/11/12/art_75_202551.html)

Note: The link to the Chinese official website of the document is for your reference.