Invention Disclosure Template: Facts, Gaps and a Synthetic Example

An invention disclosure should explain the existing problem, how the solution works, how its elements interact and what supports the stated effects. Distinguish facts, unresolved questions and alternatives so a reviewer can trace the later draft.

This is a preparation template, not a statutory form for every patent type. The Beijing Intellectual Property Office's disclosure-preparation article, published on 18 October 2024, emphasizes a complete technical solution, improvements, alternatives and supporting material.

Reusable outline

1. Working title: identify the technical object and use.
2. Field and context: users, equipment and operating environment.
3. Existing approach and problem: how it works and where it fails.
4. Proposed solution: components and relationships, or inputs and steps.
5. Differences and effects: connect each effect to a technical means.
6. Implementation: describe one complete operating sequence.
7. Alternatives: distinguish optional elements from essential ones.
8. Figures and signs: list views and maintain consistent names.
9. Open questions: missing facts, conflicting statements and evidence needed.

For mechanical devices, explain connections, relative positions and movement. For software, explain inputs, operations, triggers, outputs and exceptions. For materials, record actual composition, preparation and tests. Mark unknown parameters rather than filling them with plausible values.

Synthetic example: a positioning clamp

The following example is invented for explaining the template. It is not from a client and has not been searched or assessed for novelty, inventive step or feasibility.

A small assembly bench holds a cylindrical workpiece for marking. In this example, flat jaws may allow rotation. A fixed jaw and a movable jaw sit on a base; a screw moves the latter along a guide slot. The opposing surfaces have V-shaped locating grooves with replaceable contact pads.

The operator places the workpiece between the jaws and turns the screw to move the jaw toward it. The grooves are intended to help locate the workpiece and the pads are replaceable. There are no test results, so no stability percentage or clamping-force measurement is supplied.

Open questions include workpiece diameter, groove angle, pad material, force limits, locking and operating safety. Useful views could show the overall device, groove detail and guide relationship, with agreed names and signs.

Ask for gaps before drafting

Use only the supplied disclosure. List confirmed facts, conflicts and
missing information. For each question, identify its source location
and what it affects. Do not invent parameters, results, references or
connections. At this stage, organize the material and ask questions;
do not expand claims.

Have the inventor confirm the answers and update the same disclosure version. Retain the version and confirmation date.

Use the material in CNIPA.AI

Open the Chinese workspace, choose the field and patent type and complete the relevant title, field, problem and description inputs. Resolve core gaps and any title-refinement prompt before generation. Review the result against the disclosure using the workflow guide.

A minimum input threshold is not evidence of a sufficient disclosure. Do not add repeated wording or invented facts to meet it.

Is a one-sentence idea enough?

It can start a question list, but an objective alone usually does not explain implementation. Add the technical means and operating sequence.

Can confidential material be used?

Check client authorization, organizational policy and provider terms on processing, retention and deletion. Consult the privacy policy and support for unresolved questions. A synthetic example is suitable for initial evaluation.

Does every invention need experimental data?

The required material depends on the solution and application. Distinguish tested results from expected effects. Use the tool trial checklist when comparing services.