Utility Model

A utility model offers an efficient and fast way to protect a technical invention, particularly when the solution is simple or the product has a short life cycle. Similar to a patent, a utility model grants the holder the right to prohibit others from commercially exploiting the invention. It can be granted in just a few months and at a relatively low cost. The invention must be new and clearly distinct from prior known technology, but it does not need to meet the same strict inventiveness criteria required for a patent. A utility model can be used to protect tangible solutions such as a device, product, chemical composition, or pharmaceutical formulation. The protection can remain in force for up to 10 years, provided that renewal fees are paid on time.

We provide help for all stages of the utility model application process—from assessing the idea to drafting the application and designing an appropriate protection strategy.

You can find more information about utility models as a form of IPR protection in the Utility Model article in the IPR Basics section of our website