According to the provisions of my country’s Patent Law, patents are divided into three categories: inventions, utility models and designs.
1. Invention patents: Inventions as mentioned in the Patent Law refer to new technical solutions proposed for products, methods or their improvements. Inventions are divided into three types: product inventions, method inventions and improvement inventions.
A. Product invention is the invention of new products or new substances. This kind of product or substance has never existed in nature, and is the result of humans using the laws of nature to always use it for specific things.
B. Aspect inventions are inventions of means and steps used to solve a specific technical problem. Usually includes manufacturing methods such as product manufacturing processes, processing methods, etc., and operation methods such as testing methods, product usage methods, etc.
C. An improvement invention is a technical solution that substantially innovates an existing product invention or method invention. For example: the incandescent lamp invented by Edison is an unprecedented new product, and you can apply for a product invention; the method of producing an incandescent lamp can apply for a method patent; filling the incandescent lamp with inert gas is an improvement on the original basis, and you can apply for an improvement patent.
2. Utility model patents: Utility models as mentioned in the Patent Law refer to new technical solutions proposed for the shape, structure or combination of products that are suitable for practical use.
3. Appearance design patent: The appearance design referred to in the "Patent Law" refers to the shape, pattern or combination of the product, as well as the combination of color, shape, and pattern that is aesthetically pleasing and suitable for use. New designs for industrial applications.