According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) a patent is "a document which describes an invention which can be manufactured, used, and sold with the authorization of the owner of the patent. An invention is a solution to a specific technical problem."

An innovation is also protected by Utility Model System, which is also known as “petty patents” or “utility innovation”. The conditions for the registration of utility models are usually less stringent (since no inventive step or only a less significant inventive step is required). The procedure for registration is faster (since novelty and inventive step are usually not examined prior to registration) and acquisition and maintenance fees are generally lower than those applicable to patents. Utility Model registration is intended to protect the innovation of the right holders.

A design refers to the features of shape, configuration, pattern or ornamentation which give a product a unique appearance and must be new and distinctive. The Industrial design is a process of design applied to products that are to be manufactured through techniques of mass production. Design registration is intended to protect the designs which have an industrial or commercial use.

A trade mark is a distinctive sign or indicator used by an individual, business organization or any other legal entity to identify that the products or services to consumers with which the trade mark appears originate from a unique source, and to distinguish its products and services from those of other entities.