The duration of patent rights for inventions is twenty years, while the duration of patent rights for utility models and designs is ten years (counted from the date of filing). Payment of annual fees, commencing from the year in which the patent right was granted, is also required to keep the patent in force.
In the following cases, the patent right shall cease before the expiration of its duration:
(1) An annual fee is not paid as prescribed;
(2) The patentee abandons his or its patent right by a written declaration.
Any cessation of the patent right shall be registered and announced by the patent office .
