In Hong Kong you can choose to protect your invention by a standard patent, or by a short-term patent.

If you opt for a longer patent protection term of up to 20 years for your invention, you may apply for a standard patent by filing your application either via:

1. the "original grant patent" route directly in the Hong Kong SAR for a standard patent ("standard patent (O)"); or
2. the "re-registration" route for a standard patent ("standard patent (R)") on the basis of a corresponding patent application for the same invention previously filed with a designated patent office outside the Hong Kong SAR.

Alternatively, you may opt to seek a short-term patent having a relatively shorter protection term of up to 8 years.

The main differences between the two types of patents are summarized here.

"Original Grant Patents in Hong Kong" (infographics)