What are the differences between a utility model and a patent?
Normally, this kind of protection covers “small inventions”, those that are less complex or just further developments of previous inventions. The level of inventiveness required to obtain the registration is lower than that required to obtain a patent registration. It may be granted without prior examination, while a patent must be examined to obtain certification. The protection could be obtained in less time and at less cost, while a patent is more expensive and takes longer to obtain its registration. It has less legal certainty than a patent. The protection is granted for a shorter period (generally 10 years), instead of 20 years for patent protection. There is a lack of harmonisation in this sector since there are no common requirements for acquisition of a Utility Model at the European or international level.
