When the patent is applied for through patent agencies, it can be done merely by entrusting the matter concerned to any patent office provided with the patent agent qualification, where the commission contract shall be signed.

Where the applicant entrusts the patent agency with applying to the Patent Administration Department under the State Council for patents and dealing with other patent-related matters, a letter of attorney with the scope of the power entrusted specified shall also be submitted at the same time.

On the subject of submitting other materials, the patent agents will put forward detailed requirements. The time limits for the State Intellectual Property Office to grant patent rights are not stipulated by laws. For the utility model patents, it may generally cost about eight (8) to sixteen (16) months from the days of submitting the application to the right granting; for the invention patents, about two (2) to three (3) years, while for the design patents, about one (1) year.