Is it okay to apply only for paper patents and not for physical objects?

Patents are divided into "inventions, utility models and designs". Not all patents have physical objects, and designs do not necessarily have physical objects. It depends on which patent your thing belongs to. In addition, there are several principles in the process of obtaining patent rights: first, the principle of applying first. Article 9 of the Patent Law stipulates that if two or more applicants apply for a patent for the same invention-creation, the patent right shall be granted to the first applicant. The second is the request for priority. Article 30 stipulates that if an applicant requests priority, he shall submit a written statement at the time of application and submit a copy of the first patent application document within three months; Failing to submit a written statement or a copy of the application documents within the time limit shall be deemed as not claiming priority. Because of the singularity of patent application, an application for a patent for an invention or utility model should be limited to one invention or utility model. Two or more inventions or utility models belonging to a general inventive concept may be filed as one application. An application for a patent for a design shall be limited to a design used by a product. Two or more designs of products sold or used in the same category in sets may be filed as one application. So I don't understand what you mean by "other patents". Have you applied for a patent for your possession? If not, there is no so-called "other patent". If another person successfully applied for a patent on the basis of a slight change in your idea, if your object has successfully applied for a patent, he can only apply for a utility model without affecting your patent; If the application is unsuccessful, you can do the opposite.