What Is a Utility Model?

The utility model is a registration right suitable for the protection of simpler inventions. The process of registering a utility model is fast, simple and cheaper compared to the procedure for granting a patent. Because it is registered without a substantive examination procedure, it facilitates the protection of inventions for individual inventors and small and medium-sized enterprises.

The protection of an invention by a utility model is valid for a maximum of 10 years from the date of filing the application of the utility model.

Holder of a registered utility model may request the substantive examination to determine whether the invention in question is new, inventive and industrially applicable. Such a request may be submitted no later than upon expiry of the seventh year of duration of the utility model.