This year's annual check of patent agencies is scheduled to begin on Sept 1 and will last two months.

All agencies established before Aug 31, as well as their branches and practicing agents, are eligible for the annual qualification review.

The review results will be announced before Nov 30.

Those who fail to participate or pass the review will be prohibited from continuing in the patent agency business.

SIPO will not accepting applications for new agencies during the review period.

(Source: China Daily)