If you have an invention and want to apply for your own patent, but there is existing technology in it, can you apply?

Hello, if your invention has the existing technology, but it is in line with the novelty, practicality and creativity of the patent as a whole, you can apply for a patent.

Patents include invention patents, utility models and designs. The protection period of invention patents is 20 years, counting from the date of application, while the protection period of utility models and designs is only 10 years, also counting from the date of application.

Invention patents mainly focus on technological innovation, utility models mainly focus on its practicality, and design mainly focuses on its appearance. I will examine you from these aspects when I visit you.

For example, the touch screen technology of our mobile phone can apply for an invention patent. It mainly focuses on technical issues, rather than practicality and appearance.

Another example is a cup with a pattern in the middle, which is used to prevent slipping. These are practical models. It is not a technical problem, nor an appearance problem, but a practical problem.

It is easier to understand the design, such as toys, and pay attention to the good appearance. There are no technical problems or practical problems.

I hope this helps.