Why is the application period of software invention patent so long?

I. Invention patent 1. Scope of application The application for a patent for invention has a wide scope of application, including not only the technical fields of methods, processes, formulas, Chinese and Western medicines, computer software, e-commerce, but also industrial products and daily necessities with three-dimensional shapes and functional structures such as mechanical equipment, machinery and electrical products. However, the former can only apply for an invention patent, while the latter can also apply for a utility model and design patent. 2. Examination cycle Invention patents need substantive examination, and the examination cycle is long, which generally takes two and a half years. After obtaining the patent, the gold content is high and the invention patent is valid for 20 years. 3. Provide signed or sealed power of attorney and technical disclosure materials for handling formalities. 4. Get the patent acceptance notice within one week of the processing time. Two. Utility model 1. Scope of Application The utility model patent is only applicable to industrial products and daily necessities with three-dimensional shape and functional structure, such as mechanical equipment and electromechanical products. Methods, formulas, Chinese and western medicines and computer software can only apply for invention patents, but not utility model patents. 2. Examination cycle There is no substantive examination of utility model patents, which is more relaxed than invention patents and has a shorter examination and approval cycle. Usually 1 year can get the patent certificate, and the validity period of the utility model patent is 10 year. 3. Go through the formalities A. Provide a power of attorney with signature or seal. B provide the structural schematic diagram of the product and mark the part number: including assembly drawing, sectional view, perspective view, front view, structural schematic diagram of the part, partial enlarged view, etc. C provide technical disclosure materials such as patent name, label name, functions and functions of parts and components, and technical advantages of products. 4. Get the patent acceptance notice within one week of the processing time. Three. Design patent 1. Scope of Application The design patent is applicable to the protection of shapes, patterns and colors of products with aesthetic feeling such as daily necessities, industrial products, outer packaging and decorative stickers. 2. Review cycle There is no substantive review of design patents, and the approval cycle is short. Usually you can get the patent certificate in 8 months, and the validity period of the design patent is 10 year. 3. Go through the formalities A. Provide a power of attorney with signature or seal. B provide six-sided orthographic photos or drawings of product samples or products. 4. Get the notification of patent acceptance within seven days.