Can an individual apply for a patent only if he has an idea?

There is only one way to confirm whether the idea can be patented: if the idea is a new technical solution for the improvement of products and methods; With novelty, creativity and practicality, you can apply for a patent as long as it conforms to the legal provisions, social ethics and social interests. If one of the above conditions is not met, you cannot apply for a patent.

legal ground

People's Republic of China (PRC) Patent Law Article 2 Invention-creation as mentioned in this Law refers to inventions, utility models and designs. Invention refers to a new technical scheme proposed for a product, method or its improvement. Utility model refers to a new practical technical scheme for the shape, structure or combination of products. 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 colors, shapes and patterns. Inventions and utility models patented in Article 22 of the Patent Law of People's Republic of China (PRC) shall be novel, creative and practical. Article 23 of the Patent Law of People's Republic of China (PRC), a design that has been granted a patent right does not belong to an existing design; Before the filing date, no unit or individual has filed an application with the patent administration department of the State Council for the same design, and it is recorded in the patent documents published after the filing date.