For the foreigners or the foreign enterprises or other foreign organization having no habitual abode or business office in China: while applying for patents or handle other patent-related matters in China, he or it shall authorize a legitimately formed patent agency to act on his or its behalf.

It is not allowed for the above-mentioned applicants to mail or submit the application documents directly to the Patent Office.

For the units or compatriots of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan: while applying for patents, he or it shall appoint a patent agency designated by the Patent Administration Department Under the State Council to act as his or its agent.