Understanding the DAS Code in China: A Guide to WIPO’s Digital Access Service for Patent Applications

The Digital Access Service (DAS) is an initiative by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) that facilitates the secure electronic exchange of priority documents among participating intellectual property (IP) offices. This service streamlines the process for applicants, reducing the need to submit multiple paper copies of priority documents when seeking protection across different jurisdictions.

Understanding the DAS Code

A DAS code is a unique access code associated with a priority document deposited in the WIPO DAS system. This code allows applicants to authorize participating IP offices to retrieve the priority document electronically, ensuring a more efficient and reliable process.

Applying for a DAS Code in China

In China, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has been participating in the WIPO DAS since March 1, 2012.

As a depositing office, CNIPA can deposit certified copies of patent, utility model, design, and PCT (as the receiving office) applications as priority documents via DAS.

As an accessing office, CNIPA can retrieve certified copies of these applications deposited by other participating offices.

To obtain a DAS code for a Chinese patent application, applicants should:

1. Request Deposit: When filing a patent, utility model, or industrial design application with CNIPA (OFF), request that the application be deposited into the WIPO DAS system.
2. Receive DAS Code: After the application is deposited, CNIPA will provide a DAS code (4-10 digits with numbers and letters).
3. Provide DAS Code to Other Offices: When filing subsequent applications in other jurisdictions that claim priority from the Chinese application, provide the DAS code to other participating IP offices (OSF). This enables them to assess the priority document electronically via the WIPO DAS system.

Step 1: Request Deposit

Step 2: Receive DAS Code

Benefits of Using DAS

• Efficiency: Eliminates the need for multiple paper copies of priority documents, reducing administrative burden.
• Speed: Facilitates quicker processing of priority document exchanges between IP offices.
• Reliability: Ensures secure and accurate transmission of documents, minimizing the risk of errors associated with manual submissions.

Important Considerations

• Only for First Filing: Ensure that the request to deposit the priority document is the first filing in the world.
• Accurate Information: Provide correct application details when requesting the DAS code to ensure seamless retrieval by other IP offices.
• Participating Offices: Verify whether the IP office in the jurisdiction where you seek protection participates in the WIPO DAS system. A list of participating offices and their roles is available on the WIPO website.

Further Information

For more detailed information on using the WIPO DAS system with Chinese patent applications, refer to the official WIPO guide on using DAS with the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

Feel free to contact us if you need a DAS code from China for your subsequent applications in other countries, or need to assess your priority document by your DAS code.