Legal analysis: There are three kinds of patents: invention patents, utility models and designs. 1. Invention refers to a new technical scheme proposed for a product, method or its improvement. 2. Utility model refers to a new practical technical scheme for the shape, structure or combination of products. 3. 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.
Legal basis: Article 4 of the Patent Law of People's Republic of China (PRC). Where the invention-creation for which a patent is applied involves national security or vital interests and needs to be kept confidential, it shall be handled in accordance with the relevant provisions of the state.