There are three kinds of patents in China: invention, utility model and design. How to distinguish these three?

Invention: (1) Definition: An invention patent refers to a new technical scheme proposed for a product, method or its improvement. It is also a kind of thinking activity of human brain and a new technical scheme created by using natural laws to solve various problems in production, scientific research and experiment. (2) Type: a. Product invention refers to various products or artificially manufactured products; B. Method invention refers to the process of changing one object or substance into another. It can be described in the order specified by chemical methods, mechanical methods, communication methods and processes. C. Use invention refers to a new use of a known article, method or substance.

Definition of utility model (1): refers to a new technical scheme suitable for practical use for the shape, structure or combination of products. The structure, shape or combination of structure and shape of any product shall apply for a patent for utility model. (2) The difference from invention: First, the pertinence of protection is different. Second, the creative requirements of utility model patents are lower than that of invention patents. Third, the examination procedure for utility model patents is simpler and faster than that for invention patents. Fourth, the protection period is different.

A design patent refers to a new design that is aesthetically pleasing and suitable for industrial application for the shape, pattern, color or combination of products.