When did the update take effect?
CNIPA’s amendments to the Patent Examination Guidelines under Order No. 84 took effect on 1 January 2026. They address examination and drafting of invention applications involving AI, big data and algorithmic features, among other subjects.
Model construction and training
CNIPA’s explanation states that, where an invention concerns the construction or training of an AI model, the description generally needs to clearly disclose necessary modules, layers or connections and the specific steps and parameters required for training, so that a skilled person can implement the solution. The necessary detail depends on the invention.
Applying a model in a specific field
Where the invention applies an AI model or algorithm in a particular field, the description generally needs to explain how it is combined with the application scenario and how input and output data are configured to show their inherent relationship. Listing a model name and a desired result alone can leave implementation details unexplained.
Responding to an insufficient-disclosure objection
Review what the application originally disclosed, the examiner’s specific objection and the knowledge of a person skilled in the art before explaining how the solution can be implemented. Amendments remain subject to requirements including the prohibition on adding matter beyond the original description and claims; later material cannot automatically be added.