Categories of patents in Taiwan.

Invention patent : Invention means the creation of technical ideas, utilizing the laws of nature, including substances (without specific spatial forms), objects (with specific spatial forms), methods, biological materials, and their uses. The term of the patent is 20 years from the filing date.

Utility model patent : Utility model means the creation of technical ideas relating to the shape or structure of an article or combination of articles, utilizing the laws of nature. The term of the patent is 10 years from the filing date.

Design patent : Design means the creation made in respect of the shape, pattern, color, or any combination thereof, of an article as a whole or in part by visual appeal. For computer generated icons and graphic user interface applied to an article, an application may also be filed pursuant to this Act for obtaining a design patent. The term of the patent is 15 years from the filing date.