Applying for High-Tech Enterprise status is a very important matter. Successful application can bring numerous benefits to a company, but the application process is quite difficult. So, how many patents are required for a High-Tech Enterprise designation? What other information might be unfamiliar to many?

I. The Concept of High-Tech Enterprises

National High-Tech Enterprises refer to resident enterprises registered in mainland China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) that continuously conduct research and development and technology transfer within the "National Key Supported High-Tech Fields," forming core independent intellectual property rights and conducting business activities based on these rights. The definition of High-Tech Enterprises can be further clarified by referring to the "Administrative Measures for the Recognition of High-Tech Enterprises" revised and issued by the State in 2016, based on the definition of the scope of high-tech industries.

II. High-Tech Certification Timeline

To help everyone prepare in advance, we have compiled the application times for various regions in previous years. You can refer to the application times of previous years to plan your 2018 application schedule.

From the information above, it's clear that high-tech enterprise certification in most regions typically begins between April and June. Each region may have multiple application batches depending on its circumstances. You can use the information table above to get a preliminary understanding of the application time and batch information for high-tech enterprise certification in your region in 2018 and prepare accordingly.

III. High-tech Application Requirements

1. The enterprise must have been registered for more than 365 days at the time of application (based on the establishment date on the business license);

2. The enterprise must have acquired ownership of intellectual property rights that play a core supporting role in the technology of its main products (services) through independent research and development, transfer, donation, merger, etc.;

3. The technology that plays a core supporting role in the enterprise's main products (services) must fall within the scope of the "National Key Supported High-tech Fields" (matching the field in the management regulations);

4. The proportion of the enterprise's scientific and technological personnel (whose positions and professions are related to the industry) must be no less than 10% of the total number of employees in the current year;

5. Able to provide one 6. Proof of social security or individual income tax payments for a fixed number of employees;

7. Sales revenue for the previous year is required;

8. R&D investment must account for a certain percentage of sales revenue;

The total R&D expenses of the enterprise in the past three fiscal years (or the actual operating period if less than three years, the same applies below) must meet the following requirements as a percentage of total sales revenue during the same period:

For enterprises with sales revenue of less than 50 million yuan (inclusive) in the most recent year, the percentage must be no less than 5%;

For enterprises with sales revenue between 50 million yuan and 200 million yuan (inclusive) in the most recent year, the percentage must be no less than 4%;

For enterprises with sales revenue of more than 200 million yuan in the most recent year, the percentage must be no less than 3%.

9. High-tech products must account for more than 60% of total revenue.

The R&D achievements obtained in the past three years must have been transformed and applied, the financial accounting must be standardized, and net assets and sales revenue must have increased. (Items 1-8 are indispensable)

IV. Required Materials for High-Tech Enterprises

1. Six software copyrights or six utility model patents or one invention patent.

2. The enterprise needs to provide 12 sales contracts from the past three years.

3. The company needs to provide annual audit reports for each of the past three years, as well as special audit reports on R&D expenses and high-tech revenue for the past three years.

4. Provide a list of company personnel, including corresponding R&D personnel, technical personnel, and support staff, along with photocopies of their identification documents, labor contracts (specifying positions and support roles; adjust if necessary), and photocopies of their educational certificates.

5. Technical personnel should assist in adjusting technical materials and improving project proposals, R&D documents, etc.

V. Benefits of High-Tech Enterprise Certification

Companies certified as high-tech enterprises can promote technological transformation, enhance brand image, enjoy tax breaks, increase market value, increase capital value, and receive bonus points for listing on the New Third Board. It is a prerequisite for applying for Gazelle Enterprise status and government special funds. Employee education expenses not exceeding 8% of wages and salaries are deductible before tax. When banks tighten lending policies, high-tech enterprises can apply for unsecured credit loans.