Answer: D
The object protected by patent law is the object of patent rights, and the regulations vary from country to country. The revised Patent Law of the People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the "Patent Law") promulgated in December 2008 protects patent rights for inventions and creations, and stipulates that inventions and creations refer to inventions, utility models and designs. An invention refers to a new technical solution proposed for a product, method or improvement thereof. Utility models refer to new technical solutions proposed for the shape, structure or combination of products that are suitable for practical use. Appearance design refers to a new design that is aesthetically pleasing and suitable for industrial application based on the shape, pattern, or combination of the product, as well as the combination of color, shape, and pattern.