GAMEBOY COLOR-patents

Hello

i recently got a GBC and at first glance,it looked like any other GBC

that is,until my eyes saw this:
"C M Nintendo Patents issued and pending, See booklet"
on the sticker on the back of the unit

the serial number is CH1 4919651


My question is:is this one of the earlier models?

 

Not sure but I've not seen that on the label before.

 

That's what both of mine (and probably all in general) say. Many products will say patent pending on them.