A patent gives the inventor absolute monopoly to use his invention exclusively and to prevent others from manufacturing, using, selling or importing your patented invention.

Straightforward patent services normally only entails invention review, invention specification drafting and patent application. If full intellectual property service is required, it will be necessary for the patent attorney to be acquainted with the products and business plans of the applicant, as well the invention and the background technology.

There are two types of patents in Hong Kong:

The period of protection of each type of patent is different as is the respective cost.

The grant of a standard patent in Hong Kong is based on the registration of a patent granted by one of three patent offices, called "designated patent offices":

A standard patent can be renewed annually after the end of the third year, up to maximum term of 20 years.

A short-term patent application in Hong Kong is made by filing a request for grant of short-term patent supported by the documents and information required. The grant of a short-term patent in Hong Kong is based on a search report from an international searching authority or one of three designated patent offices. It does not matter if the search report has a negative opinion. Protection under a short-term patent is renewable after the end of the fourth year, and provides only a maximum protection term of eight years.

Hong Kong recognises the 12 month priority filing under the Paris Convention by virtue of its membership in the World Trade Organisation.