How many types of patent protection are provided in China?
Three types of inventions/creations are protected by the patent law in China. They are: inventions, utility models and designs. Inventions include any new technical solutions relating to a product, a process or an improvement thereof. Utility models include new technical resolutions relating to the shape, structure, or any special combination thereof, which is fit for practical use. Designs include any new designs of the shape, pattern, color, or their combination, of a product, which creates an aesthetic feeling and is fit for industrial application. What is the duration of a patent in China? The duration of patent rights for inventions is twenty years, while the duration of patent rights for utility models and designs is ten years (counted from the date of filing). Payment of annual fees, commencing from the year in which the patent right was granted, is also required to keep the patent in force. In the following cases, the patent right shall cease before the expiration of its durati
