What is the difference between a patentee and a patent inventor?

The specific differences between patentees and patent inventors are that patents include not only inventions, but also utility models and designs; In addition, the patent inventor is not necessarily the patentee, and others can become the patentee by signing a license contract or a transfer contract with the inventor.

legal ground

Article 2 of the Patent Law of People's Republic of China (PRC)

Invention-creation as mentioned in this Law refers to inventions, utility models and designs.

Article 10 of the Patent Law of People's Republic of China (PRC)

The right to apply for a patent and the patent right can be transferred.

Where a unit or individual in China transfers the right to apply for a patent or the patent right to a foreigner, foreign enterprise or other foreign organization, it shall go through the formalities in accordance with the provisions of relevant laws and administrative regulations.

Where the right to apply for a patent or the patent right is transferred, the parties concerned shall conclude a written contract and register it with the patent administration department of the State Council, which shall make an announcement. The transfer of the right to apply for a patent or the patent right shall take effect from the date of registration.