Patent Grace Period

Happy 2026 from Jiaquan IP Law！

For the global innovation ecosystem, CES is often the first major stage of the year and a key testing ground for exhibition-based disclosures. For many technologies, this marks the start of patent-grace periods for novelty.

The USPTO and CNIPA approach grace periods differently from a patent-examination perspective:

-United States:  A broad 12-month grace period applies to certain disclosures by or derived from the inventor. Public displays at CES are typically considered public disclosures and require a U.S. filing within one year.

-China: Only certain early disclosures qualify for a 6-month grace period, such as specific exhibitions, academic or scientific conferences, or unauthorized leaks. 

Key recommendations for IP practitioners:

1）Treat showfloor launches as if there were no grace period in key markets. Plan pre-exhibition filings whenever possible.

2）If early disclosure is necessary, document who presented, what was shown, when, and where. Retain all invitations, catalogs, screenshots, and media coverage as evidence.

Align your China filing timelines carefully. Do not assume U.S. grace period rules will apply in China.

If CES or other 2026 exhibitions are part of your plans and China is included in your IP strategy, our prosecution teams can review your launch plan and help you develop a jurisdiction-specific filing and grace period strategy. Contact Jiaquan IP Law to review your 2026 exhibition and patent timeline before your innovations are presented.