China's patents are now divided into three types:
Invention patents, utility model patents and appearance patents; Among them, the protection period of invention patent is ***20 years from the date of filing, and the protection period of utility model patent and appearance patent is the same-10 year from the date of filing; Each patent has to pay a corresponding annual fee every year, which changes with the change of protection period (the annual fee is different every few years); But a patent should not be protected for such a long time, about 3-5 years, because the product will keep pace with the times in technology and structure.
Extended data:
Utility model refers to a new technical scheme for the shape, structure or combination of products. The creativity and technical level of utility model in patent law is lower than that of invention patent, but it has great practical value. In this sense, utility models are sometimes called small inventions or small patents.
In view of the utility model, we should simplify the examination and approval procedures, shorten the protection period and lower the charging standard for protection. As for the utility model, some countries do not list it as an independent patent protection type, but protect it in the invention patent. In other countries, utility models are listed as an independent type of patent protection.
Reference: Baidu Encyclopedia-utility model patent