Individual Patent Agency

Study on the organization forms of patent agency is a crucial component of patent deputizing institution.Currently,patent agencies may comply with two types of organization,one of which is a partnership containing three or more participants;the other is a limited liability corporation including five or more individuals.However,these two forms both consist of internal defects which could be made up and improved by an individual patent agency with its special characteristics.Through analysis of the organization forms of patent agencies,this paper indicated four necessities for China to develop individual patent agencies.Firstly,individual patent agency is a practical demand in the development of patent agency profession.Secondly,developing individual patent agency is a necessity in improving and perfecting organization forms of patent agencies.Thirdly,individual patent agency is needed in optimizing competition state of patent agency profession.Fourth,individual patent agency is a demand of strengthening agents’ sense of responsibility.Development of individual patent agency has following feasibilities:there are reference from patent agency related firms run by individuals in China;individual patent agency is more accordant with business traditions and characteristics of patent deputizing profession.In addition,study on organization forms of patent agencies in other countries revealed that individual patent agency is widely spread and is the major form in most countries.Through investigations of foreign institutions and organization forms of patent agencies,this paper attempted to provide applicable reference for the future reformation of organization form of patent agencies.Lastly,this paper offered suggestions on policy-making and self-construction of individual patent agencies,to facilitate the successful establishment of such organizations.On self-construction side,individual patent agencies should utilize effective work management procedure and select appropriate developing path.On policy-making side,institutions should clarify entry criteria of new agencies and establish a risk control system,especially including a compulsive practice insurance,a self-disciplined organization and an effective credibility system.