1. Whether a patent application is sufficient for authorization, the novelty must first be judged. The basis for judging novelty is not whether the product is on the market, but whether the technology has been made public, such as journals, websites, operating manuals, patent documents, etc. However, examiners generally focus on searching patent documents.
2. When applying for a patent, there is no need for samples, models, or experiments, but a relatively complete technical solution is still required. In other words, it can’t just be ideas, it must be solutions. For example, I have an idea to level the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau so that the rainwater brought by the humid monsoon from the Indian Ocean can nourish the northwest of China. I only have an idea but no solution. This idea cannot be patented.
3. If you have no experience, it is best to find a patent agency for help. Just like you need to hire a lawyer when filing a lawsuit, applying for a patent is a very professional job after all. Regarding the agency, just find one that is officially registered and there should be no problem with professional ethics. They represent many patent applications every day, including those from many companies and institutions.
4. Agency fees vary. Generally, the utility model fee is about 1,000-2,000 RMB. The application fee can be reduced by applying for a 15% discount to 75 yuan.
Applying for a patent now does not require models or experiments, as long as the technical solution is reasonable, novel, practical and creative.