An invention patent protects a new and useful method, machine, product or combination of substances, or any new and useful improvement. Invention patents usually protect technologies or inventions that are novel, practical and creative. Such patents can cover many types of products or methods, including properties, manufacturing or utility models.
Design patents focus on product design. Such patents usually protect unique and decorative product designs. For a design, it must be new, original and decorative.
Plant patents are designed to protect any special and new plant varieties. This includes newly cultivated plant varieties, such as varieties, hybrids or mutants, and new plants obtained through asexual reproduction. However, this type of patent does not protect plants found in nature.
What's the difference between American patent and China patent?
Patent system: Both the United States and China adopt the first application system, but the United States implements the "first invention system", that is, whoever invents first applies first.
Patent types: American patents include invention patents, design patents and plant patents, while China patents include invention, utility model and design.
Patent examination and approval: the United States implements the examination system, which requires detailed examination by professionals; The patent examination procedure in China is relatively simplified.
Scope of protection: American patents focus on product methods, business methods, algorithms, machines, etc. China patents pay more attention to technical aspects, including machines, instruments and tools.
Protection time: the patent protection period of the United States is 20 years, that of China is 20 years, and that of utility model and design is 10 year.