Methods include manufacturing methods, using methods, communication methods, processing methods, computer programs and using products for specific purposes. Method is only the protected object of invention patent, so if the technical scheme only involves method, it is only suitable for applying for invention patent.
Product refers to an entity that is manufactured by industrial methods, has a certain shape and structure, and occupies a certain space. This coincides with the protection object of utility model patent, and whether the technical scheme of the product is suitable for applying for invention patent or utility model patent depends on other factors.
Extended data:
The scope of patent protection in Ming dynasty is very wide. Comparatively speaking, the utility model does not protect the product formula, process, method, use, material substitution, system, some medical devices, circuit design that does not involve products, etc. These can all be applied for invention patent protection.
The protection period of invention patent can reach 20 years from the application date, as long as the annual fee is paid on time, while the protection period of utility model is 10 year. Therefore, for inventions with a long life cycle, applying for invention patents can obtain much longer protection time than utility model patents.
Baidu Encyclopedia-Patent Law