1. Invention refers to a new technical scheme proposed for a product, method or its improvement. The legal protection period is 20 years,
2. Utility model refers to a new practical technical scheme for the shape, structure or combination of products. The legal protection period is 10 year.
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. The legal protection period is 10 year.
Legal basis: Article 42 of the Patent Law of People's Republic of China (PRC) has a term of 20 years, and the term of utility model patent and design patent is 10 years, counting from the date of filing.