What are the meanings of invention patent and utility model patent?

As far as the object of protection is concerned, invention patents are mainly used to protect the shape and structure, methods, processes, uses, ingredients and formulas of products. The utility model patent only protects the shape and structure of the product.

As far as the protection period is concerned, the invention protection period is 20 years, and the utility model protection period is 10 year.

As far as authorization procedures are concerned, inventions need to undergo preliminary examination and substantive examination, while utility models only undergo preliminary examination.