Utility model application

“Small patent” to protect your technical innovations

The difference between a patent and a utility model lies, among other things, in the speed and complexity of their acquisition. A utility model is typically registered within 2-3 months from the filing of the application in CZ, longer abroad. This allows you to start enforcing your rights more quickly.

Protection provided by a well-drafted utility model, however, is no different from a patent. This is reflected in its costs as well.

The Czech IPO does not examine the novelty or innovativeness of utility models, even though these are conditions for registering a utility model. Meeting these criteria, and thus the quality of protection afforded by a utility model, is solely your responsibility. To boost chances that your model withstands objections in the event of a dispute, we recommend conducting a thorough search before drafting it.

Our clients typically opt for these steps

Patentability search

to assess the likelihood of protection, reduce costs and enhance the application

Czech utility model application

within 6 months from the first innovation publication

Registration of a utility model

approx. 2-6 months from filing

Expanding protection abroad

within 12 months from filing (i.e. utility model applications in other countries)

You’re in the right place

Do you want to strategically protect your innovations?

Call, write or meet with us

Why others trust us:

Application drafting

You are the specialist in your field. Based on your input, we will draft the application to boost your competitive edge.

Representation in the CZ and Europe

We’ll take care of communication and administration related to the patent proceedings. Europe in-house, the world through trusted local partners.

Asserting your rights

The aim of the IP authorities is to recognize only the strictly necessary scope of protection. Our goal is to obtain the broadest possible scope.

As patent attorneys, we are legally bound to confidentiality.
Your ideas and innovations are safe with us.

How we work

Initial meeting

During the initial consultation, we discuss your ideas, innovations, and plans so that we can choose the most appropriate protection procedure.

Protection assessment

Based on our questionnaire on the technical specifications of your invention and our meeting, we assess whether it makes sense to pursue a utility model or explore other ways of protection. To enhance the application quality, we recommend opting for a patentability search.

Strategy decision

We agree on the specific steps to create your competitive edge.

Application drafting

We draft the complete application and file it with the patent office after your review. In case we receive an official communication, we send it to you along with our comments. All further steps (e.g. response to the IPO) are taken after your approval.

About utility models

What is the difference between patents and utility models?

Patents and utility models safeguard technical innovations. The difference lies in the speed of obtaining protection, the maximum duration, territory, and the types of innovations eligible for such protection.

A utility model is typically acquired faster than a patent. Compared to a minimum of one year for patent proceedings, you can have a utility model registered in as little as 6 months.

The first drawback might be that a utility model is valid for a maximum of 10 years, whereas a patent can last for 20 years (25 years for pharmaceuticals). Also, there are exceptions in innovations that can be only protected by patents, not by utility models – i.e. manufacturing process.

However, the main distinction lies in the limited territory of protection – utility models do not exist in some countries.

Within these differences, both patents and utility models offer the same scope of protection.