Can invention and utility model patent applications be converted to each other?

Legal Analysis: Invention and utility model patent applications are interchangeable. The mutual conversion between invention and utility model patent application is a common situation in the process of patent application.

Legal basis: Article 9 of the Patent Law of People's Republic of China (PRC). The same invention can only be granted a patent right. However, if the same applicant applies for a patent for utility model and a patent for invention at the same time on the same day, and the patent for utility model obtained earlier has not been terminated, and the applicant abandons the patent for utility model, the patent for invention may be granted. Where two or more applicants apply for a patent for the same invention-creation, the patent right shall be granted to the first applicant.