Is it appropriate to apply for utility model before applying for invention patent?

First of all, the patent adopts the principle of "first application", that is, whoever applies first gets the right first. Your technology has applied for a utility model patent, even if he applied for an invention patent with the same technology, it is impossible to authorize it.

Secondly, the patent should be "novel", that is, it cannot be known to the public before the filing date. If your utility model has been successfully applied, it will be made public, which means that the technology has lost its novelty. You can't apply for a patent anymore. Even yourself.

In addition, I think competitors are unlikely to apply for the same technology again, bypassing the scope of protection of the owner's rights. Because all technical details have been published in the specification, even if the other party changes the claim, the application cannot be successful, or even if the application is successful, the right is unstable.

In addition, if it is a very important technology, it is recommended to apply for both invention and utility model. This will maximize your own interests.