Invention refers to a new technical scheme for a product, method or its improvement, which mainly embodies novelty, creativity and practicality. Patent inventions can be divided into product inventions (such as machines, instruments and devices) and method inventions (manufacturing methods).
Utility model refers to a new practical technical scheme for the shape, structure or combination of products. The patent for utility model is granted without substantive examination, with simple procedures and low cost. Therefore, small inventions about tangible products such as daily necessities, machinery and electrical appliances are more suitable for applying for utility model patents.
Appearance design refers to a new design with aesthetic feeling and suitable for industrial application based on the shape, pattern or combination of products and the combination of color and shape and pattern. The object of design patent protection is the decorative or artistic design of the product, which can be a plane pattern or a three-dimensional shape, and more commonly, the combination of the two. The main condition for granting a design patent is novelty.