Three Types of Patents
Which type of patent you choose will depend on your product, its inventiveness, usage and other factors. You should plan your IP strategy with an experienced patent attorney in China, preferably before any problems occur.
1. Invention Patent
An invention patent is granted for new and inventive technical solution for a product, new method of producing or doing something, or an improvement on an existing product. Invention patents allow you to protect the new technology that you develop.
2. Utility Model Patent
A utility model patent is granted for new and practical technical solutions relating to the shape and/or structure of a product. These patents protect new, functional aspects of a product that do not meet the higher inventiveness level required for an invention patent.
3. Design Patent
A design patent is granted for new designs relating to the shape, pattern or their combinations, or the combination of colour, shape and/or pattern that are aesthetically pleasing and industrially applicable. A design patent protects the “look” of the product that makes it recognisable.
