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.