Utility Models
The German Utility Model is closely related to the Patent. It protects technical inventions methods. The differences to the patent are mainly the lack of an official examination proceeding with regard to novelty and inventive step, the differences in the definition of the state of the art and the novelty grace period for applicantīs disclosure up to six months prior to the filing date. The duration is 10 years only. Due to the lack of examination, a utility model may be invalid although registered. Before starting court proceedings, it is therefore highly recommended to search for state of the art.
