Can I apply for a patent right at will?
You can't. According to Article 25 of the Patent Law of People's Republic of China (PRC), no patent right is granted for the following items: (1) Scientific discovery; (2) rules and methods of intellectual activities; (3) Methods of diagnosis and treatment of diseases; (4) Species of animals and plants; (5) substances obtained by nuclear transformation; (six) the design of the pattern, color or the combination of the two. The production method of the products listed in Item (4) of the preceding paragraph may be granted a patent right in accordance with the provisions of this Law.