You can consider applying for a patent for appearance.
2. The products of the company's own brand need to be outsourced by other companies. Should I apply for a packaging patent or the other party?
A, it depends on who owns the copyright of technology or appearance, such as an agreement. This situation should be arranged from the it side.
B. If there is no dispute about the ownership of the right, you can of course apply for it yourself and enjoy the exclusive right to change the design.
3. What is the application process?
Submitted to China National Intellectual Property Administration:
3. Appearance-Appearance patent request, pictures or photos (preferably 6 views+3-D views), brief description, cost reduction request (optional), and authorization that has passed the examination;
4. How to calculate the cost,
The application fee for utility model and appearance patent is 500 75 (85% for individuals).
205' s utility and appearance authorization certificate fee will not be reduced.
Annual fee of utility model and appearance patent 1-3 years 600 90 (85% reduction for individuals).
Omission of other years
If you apply for the above fees yourself.
If it is an entrusted agent, you need to pay the above fee+agency fee (the agency fee varies greatly from place to place, at least above 3000).
5. What else should I pay attention to?
The patent field is still complicated, so it is recommended to consult a patent agency, because you can't get other information here.