Can I apply for a utility model patent for software? Can I apply for a utility model by combining software and hardware?

Software can't apply for a patent for utility model. According to the patent law, utility model refers to a new practical technical scheme for the shape, structure or combination of products.

It can be seen that the utility model protects the physical structure and shape (hardware), and the technical scheme of pure software is not the object of patent protection of utility model, so it does not conform to the provisions of the patent law. Even if an application is made, it will not be authorized.

However, you can apply for an invention patent, and the specific situation will be analyzed.