Patents relate to how things work, not their appearance. Inventions include devices, methods and systems, including computer software. A patent relates to how an idea is implemented in practice, not the idea itself.
To be protected under a "Standard Patent" an invention needs to be both novel (new) and inventive or, in the case of an "Innovation Patent", novel and innovative.
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It is common for the first application for a patent to be a provisional patent application. The aim of a provisional is to establish a priority date for the invention which may be used in subsequent applications.
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Standard Patents may last for up to 20 years, subject to payment of
renewal fees. A standard patent requires an invention to be novel and
"inventive".
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An Innovation Patent has a maximum duration of 8 years, subject to
payment of renewal fees. A innovation patent requires an invention to
be novel and "innovative". This requirement is lower than required for
a standard patent.
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Renewal fees are payable in respect of standard and innovation patents
and applications.
No renewal fees are due on Provisional applications.
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There is no such thing as a world wide patent. If patent protection
is required then separate patents must be obtained in relevant
jurisdictions.
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Patents