For the results of independent research and development, you can generally apply for patents to protect intellectual property rights. Patent is a kind of legal protection, which can ensure that an invention or innovation is regarded as an exclusive right for a certain period of time. By applying for a patent, you can prevent others from using, manufacturing or selling your invention or innovation without authorization. Therefore, it is a common practice to apply for a patent if you want to protect your own independent research and development achievements.
However, please note that not all inventions or innovations can be protected by patents, so before deciding whether to apply for a patent, you may need to consult a professional intellectual property lawyer or patent agent to determine whether your achievements meet the requirements of the patent law.