In order to attract a better pool of applicants, the State Intellectual Property Office gave prospective patent agents an additional week to sign up for the national qualification exam this year.

The office began accepting applications on May 28, one week earlier than it had during previous sessions, and it closed enrollment on June 17.

After the online application period, applicants must submit their credentials in person at a selected site named by local IP authorities between June 3 and 24.