Answer: C
Appearance design is the appearance design of the product and must be combined with the product; therefore option A is correct and should not be selected. Utility model and design patent applications are not subject to substantive examination, so option B is correct and should not be selected. The design protection period is 10 years, starting from the filing date, so option D is correct and should not be selected. Invention and utility model patents can be compulsorily licensed, but designs cannot be compulsorily licensed. Therefore, option C is incorrectly stated and is selected.
[Problem-solving skills] Appearance design is not very important. There is no need to use someone else’s design, and it may not be of much benefit to society. Therefore, there is no compulsory licensing system for designs.