To further deepen exchanges and cooperation between Guangdong and Macao in the field of intellectual property (IP) and support innovation-driven development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a thematic event on the launch of patent pre-examination services for innovative entities in Macao was held on September 18 in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.

 

At the event, the list of the first nine registered entities in Macao, including the University of Macau, was announced. The Macau University of Science and Technology and Weimai Technology (Macao) Co., Ltd. were awarded the first certificates of patent authorization under the Guangdong-Macao cross-border rapid patent pre-examination service mechanism. Relevant design patent applications could be granted in as little as three working days from acceptance to grant, marking a key step forward in cross-border IP cooperation between Guangdong and Macao.

 

Hong Kong and Macao, as international centers for innovation and technology, possess world-class scientific research and innovation achievements. Focusing on the national strategy for the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Guangdong's IP authorities were the first in China to introduce a patent pre-examination service mechanism for innovative entities in Hong Kong and Macao. The mechanism has opened a fast-track patent examination channel in mainland China for innovative entities from Hong Kong and Macao, helping integrate high-quality innovation resources from Hong Kong and Macao into national development and providing strong support for the coordinated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

 

According to the introduction, since the launch of the cross-border pre-examination service, as of the end of August, 43 innovative entities from Hong Kong and Macao, including The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the University of Macau, had completed pre-examination registration. A total of 60 pre-examination applications had been received, with 27 cases receiving accelerated patent grants following pre-examination. The average patent grant time had been reduced by more than 80%.

 

Going forward, the Guangdong Provincial Intellectual Property Administration will further deepen the regular exchange mechanism with the IP authorities of Hong Kong and Macao, coordinate efforts in areas including the implementation of the service and policy promotion, and continue to strengthen dialogue and cooperation on IP within the Greater Bay Area.