李先生，我想在中国申请专利，但我对中国的专利法不太了解，您能给我概要地讲讲吗？

　　B: Yes, of course. The aim of the Patent Law is to protect and encourage inventions and to promote the development of science and technology. The law came into effect in 1984. It comprises 8 chapters with 69 articles.

　　当然可以，专利法的制定是要保护和鼓励专利发明，促进科技发展。我国的专利法于1984年生效，共有8章69款。

　　A: How does a foreign enterprise apply for a patent in China?

　　外国企业怎样申请专利呢？

　　B: He has to appoint a patent agency designated by our government to act as his patent agent. And this is usually done by the Patent Agent Department.

　　他必须委托一个由我国政府设立的专利代理部门执行。此任务通常有专利代理部门执行。

　　A: How long is the duration of patent right for an invention according to the law?

　　根据这个法律，发明专利权的期限是多久？

　　B: 15 years.

　　15年。

　　“act as”是“担当”的意思。例如：I'll act as interpreter. （我来当翻译。）；“apply for”是“申请”的意思；“essentials”意为“要领，概要”。例如：The book deals with the essentials of English grammar. （这本书论述英语语法的要点。）；“the Patent Law”是“专利法”的意思；“come into effect”意为“生效”。