Batch renaming refers to processing name-change formalities for qualifying cases by importing a list of application numbers/patent numbers for which a name change is requested. Its advantage is that the Notice of Approval for Batch Bibliographic Data Change records the application numbers/patent numbers for which the name change has been completed, allowing the parties to obtain information about the completed cases more conveniently and accurately. Full-batch renaming, by contrast, means processing name-change formalities for all cases in the system that require a name change without importing a list. In this approach, the Notice of Approval for Batch Bibliographic Data Change does not record all the application numbers/patent numbers for which the name change has been completed, so the parties need to verify through the China and Multinational Patent Examination Information Query System whether all cases under their name have been renamed.
Simply put: batch renaming is “à la carte”—you list the specific patent numbers, suitable for precise changes; full-batch renaming is “package style,” where the system automatically matches all qualifying patents under your name, suitable for a thorough cleanup.
The following is a detailed comparison and guidance on how to proceed:
1. Core Differences Comparison
2. Eligibility Check Before Filing
Before proceeding, the system performs a “business trust system platform verification”:
* Exemption scenarios: if the identity information passes verification, no proof documents need to be submitted.
* Scenarios requiring proof: if verification is not passed, the proof documents (e.g., a copy of the business license, or the industrial and commercial name-change certificate) must first be filed/registered, and the filing number of the proof document must be indicated when handling the case.
3. Filing Process (Online Filing)
Currently, electronic filing via the Patent Affairs Filing System (https://cponline.cnipa.gov.cn) is recommended.
Step 1: Prepare materials
* Batch renaming: prepare a list of patent numbers (Excel format, up to 100 items per batch; if more than 100, submit in separate batches).
* Full-batch renaming: no list is needed, but the unified social credit code before the change must be accurately filled in.
** Batch address change: free
* Proof documents: if the trust verification is not passed, prepare the original proof document issued by the administrative department for industry and commerce, or a notarized copy.
Step 2: Fill out the declaration
* Log into the system and select “Bibliographic Data Change”.
* Batch renaming: select “Import List” and upload the patent number list.
* Full-batch renaming: select “Full-Batch Renaming” and fill in the unified social credit code before the change.
Step 3: Fee Payment
* Fee standard: batch/full-batch renaming submitted on the same day with identical change content is charged as one change, i.e., 200 yuan.
* Payment deadline: pay within 1 month from the date of submission of the declaration.
* Note: if submitted in multiple batches on different dates, multiple fees may be required.
4. Pitfall Avoidance Guide
1. Code entry: when processing full-batch renaming, the code before the change must be exactly identical to the format recorded in the system.
2. Result verification: after full-batch renaming is completed, it is recommended to log into the China and Multinational Patent Examination Information Query System and verify whether all cases under your name have been renamed, to avoid omissions.
3. Agency: if the patent is still entrusted to an agency, it is usually handled by the agency; if you need to handle it yourself (including full-batch renaming), you may need to first terminate the entrustment or ensure the authority has been transferred.
Note:Each batch of renaming business only permits a change of a single patent applicant’s or patentee’s name, identification number, and address information. If multiple different patentees are renamed at the same time, they must be handled separately. Batch renaming formalities must be processed through the web version of the Patent Affairs Filing System. Whether the patent application was filed through the electronic filing system or by the traditional paper method, batch renaming must uniformly be processed using the online system.