Design applications should provide a clear, accurate, and unambiguous representation of the design, including photographs, renderings, or line drawings. Otherwise, such an application will be rejected.
This article will discuss all the requirements for your drawings submitted to the CNIPA.
Views Required
Orthographic Views
These are essential and typically include SIX principal views:
- Front
- Rear
- Left
- Right
- Top
- Bottom
Perspective views (Stereo Views)
Perspective views are necessary as they can help show the appearance of 3D designs. Two stereo views (such as top & bottom perspective views) are strongly recommended if two sides are NOT flat.
Reference drawings (optional)
In addition, the applicant may submit the use state as a reference, which would NOT narrow the scope of the patent, to illustrate the intended use of the product using the design.
Other required drawings (optional)
To clearly illustrate the details of designs, the applicant shall also submit the expanded view, sectional view, cross-sectional view, enlarged view and deformation view of the design product.
Drawing Requirements
Clarity
The resolution should be sufficiently high (600 dpi is perfect), enabling clear visibility of shapes and details.
Consistency
Ensure that there is consistent scaling and angle maintained across all drawings.
Plain Background
A plain background (e.g., white, or single colour) without any unrelated items, is preferred to ensure the design stands out clearly. Also, any unrelated item (e.g., reflections, shadows, brand) should be avoided or removed.
Only Use of Solid and Broken Lines
solid lines represent the parts of the design that are being claimed for protection, while broken lines (dashed lines) are used to indicate features that are shown for illustrative purposes but are not part of the claimed design.
Furthermore, in contrast to the United States, any surface shading (shaded line) is not allowable.
Colour
If colors are an essential aspect of your design, black and white drawings should be substituted with color drawings.
Furthermore, you may also specify a different color for the section you are disclaiming.
Further information
See more official guidelines of CNIPA here.
See more about the process of design application in China.
Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for a successful design patent application in China. If need our assistance to review your drawings and ensure design protection in China, please get in touch with us at: contact@gbaiplawyer.com
