In China, patents include three types: invention patents, utility model patents, and design patents.

Invention refers to a new technical solution proposed for a product, method, or its improvement. Invention patents have the highest technological content and require the most creative labor from inventors. New products, their manufacturing methods, and usage methods can all apply for invention patents.

Utility model refers to a new technical solution proposed for the shape, structure, or combination of a product that is suitable for practical use. As long as there are some technological improvements, a utility model patent can be applied for. It should be noted that only when it involves product structure, shape, or their combination, can a utility model patent be applied for.

Appearance design refers to a new design that is aesthetically pleasing and suitable for industrial applications, which combines the shape, pattern, or their combination, as well as the combination of color, shape, and pattern of a product. As long as the shape, pattern, or combination of the product, as well as the combination of color and shape, pattern, are aesthetically pleasing and suitable for industrial applications, a design patent can be applied for.