Can I access the documents in the file of a Taiwanese patent application?
Yes. Online file inspection is possible via TIPONet, using either an English or Chinese interface. You can access the files for published patent applications from 2003 onwards, provided no patent has yet been granted or office action issued. Utility models are now also covered, for applications filed as from 2 May 2012.
Most official communications are available only in facsimile form and in Chinese. However, a machine translation function can provide English versions of the list of documents in the file and of any documents available as text data.
To access the English interface, click on "File Wrapper Search" under "Patent" on TIPO's English homepage. A step-by-step guide on how to access files in TIPONet is available on our website.
If you require a more detailed answer, please send us your question using the contact form.