Can I apply for a patent if I design an ordinary icon?

No, unless it is used in products, you can apply for a design patent.

According to the "Patent Law of the People's Republic of China"

Appearance design refers to the shape, pattern or combination of the product and the combination of color, shape and pattern. A new design that is both aesthetically pleasing and suitable for industrial applications.

The design for which the patent right is granted shall not belong to the existing design; no unit or individual has applied for the same design to the patent administration department of the State Council before the application date, and it shall be recorded on the application date. in patent documents to be announced later.

The design for which patent rights are granted should be significantly different from existing designs or combinations of existing design features.

The design for which patent rights are granted shall not conflict with the legal rights that others have acquired before the filing date.

The term "existing designs" as used in this Law refers to designs that were known to the public at home and abroad before the date of application.