What does a patent stand for?

Patent has different meanings on different occasions: (1) patent right (2) invention-creation with patent right (3) patent document. From the legal point of view, "patent" usually refers to patent right. Patent right means that the patentee enjoys the exclusive right to his invention and creation within the statutory time limit.

The patent right does not arise naturally when the invention is completed, but needs the applicant to apply in accordance with the procedures prescribed by law and obtain it after examination and approval. The patent right can only be granted with the approval of the patent administration department of the State Council.

Patents include three categories: invention patents, utility model patents and design patents.