APP itself is software, and it cannot protect the product itself through patents like equipment or mechanical devices with actual shapes and structures.
APP can't apply for utility model, and the UI interface of app can't be protected by design before. Now the policy has changed and opinions are being sought. Maybe in the future.
It is entirely possible before the APP is made. Patents, even product inventions, don't need actual products, just ideas. On the contrary, if you make a product and apply again, you may not be able to apply, which will affect its novelty and will not be authorized.
On June 5438+ 10, 2009, China National Intellectual Property Administration tried to standardize the Measures for Examination of Business Method Patents. However, due to the lack of clear legal positioning, it has not given accurate answers to important questions such as "whether APP can apply for a patent and how to apply for a patent".
Therefore, "Opinions on Several Policies and Measures for Vigorously Promoting Mass Entrepreneurship and Innovation" issued by the State Council in June, 2065438+2005 listed "intellectual property protection of new forms of innovation such as business methods" as an important issue to be solved urgently.
Extended data
The types of patents have different regulations in different countries. In China's patent law, there are: invention patent, utility model patent and design patent.
In Hongkong patent law, there are: standard patent (equivalent to Chinese mainland's invention patent), short-term patent (equivalent to Chinese mainland's utility model patent) and design patent; In some developed countries, it is divided into invention patents and design patents.
Xinhuanet-which apps can apply for patents?