Utility models
Inventions are solutions of a technical nature that can be protected by exclusive rights. Patent protection is granted for new solutions that significantly contribute to technological progress and are suitable for industrial applicability. In the case of inventions, which are objects of permanent form and have a defined structure or spatial shape, forming a coherent one-piece product or an object composed of interconnected elements, it is also possible to obtain an exclusive right if the objects meet only two conditions, namely that they are new and suitable for industrial applicability.
Applying for utility model protection is similar to the procedure for obtaining patent protection, with a utility model being granted for 10 years. Since a utility model relates to an object with a durable form, one of the mandatory elements of the documentation is a technical drawing depicting the solution. If the utility model is a multi-component object, the parts of which it consists must be mechanically or functionally connected to each other. Often, a single product can be protected both as a utility model, in which case the technical aspect of the product is protected, and as an industrial design, in which case the aesthetic features of the product are protected.
At FGGH IP patent and law firm, we know how important it is for business to have a comprehensive view of various intellectual property rights, so we offer comprehensive services and advise on the best protection strategies.
Before filing an application for a utility model, we offer to perform a study that will identify the risks that may present obstacles to successfully obtaining protection. If the invention relates to a product and in the course of the patent application procedure it turns out that obtaining a patent is not possible, we know how to carry out the procedure of converting the invention application into the utility model.
As high-level specialists in obtaining industrial property rights protection, we will carry out the entire process of applying for protection of the solution, as well as maintaining the right in force or conducting disputes concerning its invalidation or infringement.