The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has issued the revised Measures for the Administration of Priority Examination of Patents (Order No. 85), which entered into force on 1 September 2026, replacing the previous Measures adopted in 2017.

The Measures revise the eligibility criteria and procedural requirements for priority examination of invention, utility model and design patent applications, as well as patent reexamination and invalidation proceedings. Priority examination may be requested for eligible applications involving emerging industries, key technologies, industrial implementation or other specified circumstances, subject to the applicable requirements and CNIPA's approval. The Measures also establish accelerated examination timeframes, including an initial examination action within 45 days and completion within one year for invention patent applications admitted to priority examination, except in particularly complex cases.

For companies operating in innovation-intensive sectors, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical devices, the revised framework provides a procedural mechanism that may facilitate earlier examination of strategically important patent applications and proceedings. Its practical effectiveness depends on satisfying the eligibility and documentation requirements, obtaining priority examination approval and complying with the applicable procedural deadlines.