A patent literally refers to exclusive rights and interests. The word "patent" comes from the Latin "Litterae patentes", which means open letters or public documents. It is a certificate used by medieval monarchs to issue certain privileges, and later refers to the exclusive right certificate signed by the British king himself.

China's patent applications are divided into three types: invention, utility model and design.

invention refers to a new product, a new method, a new technology and a new process, and can also be an improvement of an existing product method.

utility model, commonly known as gizmo, refers to the improvement of tangible products. It should be noted that only when designing the shape, structure or combination of products can you apply for a patent for utility model. If it is about technology, formula and other technical solutions, it still belongs to the category of invention.

as its name implies, appearance design refers to a new design that designs the shape and pattern of a product, or a new design that combines color with shape and pattern.

At present, the authorization rate of invention patents in China is low, and the patent examination cycle is long. Generally, the authorization time of invention patents is 1-3 years.

Extended information:

Differences between patents, industrial designs, trademarks and copyrights

Patents are used to protect new and useful inventions, including software processes, manufacturing and production processes, equipment and products.

industrial designs are called design patents in the United States, which are used to protect the visual elements applied to commodities in design.

trademarks are used to protect brands, images or slogans related to goods and/or services for commercial purposes.

Copyright is used to protect creative works, such as original literary, artistic, dramatic or musical works.

Baidu encyclopedia-patent