What is a utility model? Which inventions can apply for utility model patents?

As for the utility model, some countries do not list it as an independent patent protection type, but protect it in the invention patent. In other countries, utility models are listed as an independent type of patent protection. What is a utility model? Which inventions can apply for utility model patents? The term "utility model" as mentioned in the patent law refers to a new practical technical scheme for the shape, structure or combination of products. The difference between utility model and invention lies in: first, utility model is limited to products with a certain shape, and it cannot be a method or a product without a fixed shape; Second, the creative requirement of utility model is lower than that of invention. The shape of a product refers to the definite spatial shape that the product has and can be observed from the outside. The technical scheme proposed for product shape can be the technical scheme proposed for product three-dimensional shape, such as the improvement of cam shape and cutter shape; It can also be a technical scheme of two-dimensional shape of products, such as the improvement of sectional shape of profiles. The structure of a product refers to the arrangement, organization and interrelation of various components of the product. The product structure can be either a mechanical structure or a circuit structure. Mechanical structure refers to the relative position relationship, connection relationship and necessary mechanical cooperation relationship between components that make up a product, and circuit structure refers to the determined connection relationship between components that make up a product. The composite layer can be considered as the structure of the product, and the carburized layer and oxide layer of the product belong to the composite layer structure. The reason why the state protects utility models is to encourage small inventions with low cost and short development cycle, so as to meet the needs of economic development more quickly. For more specific questions about the protection of utility models, please call Bajie Intellectual Property Service Hotline.