China Introduces CE-PCT System for Online Filing of PCT International Applications
China has implemented an online system developed by the State Intellectual Property Office of China (SIPO) for filing and prosecution of PCT international applications with SIPO as the receiving office.
The system, referred to as CE-PCT, came into operation on 31 March 2014. It enables a range of functions related to PCT applications during international phase, including submission of new applications and intermediate documents, searching and preliminary examination, prosecution, enquiries, receipt of notification, and online payment.
The PCT-SAFE system, which has been in use for online submission of PCT international applications prior to CE-PCT, will continue to be of use for the purpose. It is noteworthy, however, that in filing PCT international applications via PCT-SAFE, the relevant intermediate documents subsequent to the filing process will need to be submitted in printed form.
