Our solutions / Applying for and registering protection

Utility model

The utility model typically protects the so-called small inventions and device improvements, as it is able to protect technical ideas and solutions that do not maintain the level of patentability.

A utility model provides the right to prohibit others from making professional use of a technical, industrially available invention. The utility model typically protects the so-called small inventions and device improvements, as it is able to protect technical ideas and solutions that do not maintain the level of patentability.

Unlike patents, utility models cannot protect a method or use, but they offer, in principle, the same type/level? of protection as patents.

Granting a utility model is much faster than registering a patent. In practice, the registration of a utility model is often successful within a few months, which allows, for example, faster intervention in infringements.

In some cases, a utility model may be a stronger form of protection than a patent, as lower inventive steps may make it difficult to invalidate the utility model.

Determination of the invention

The inventor (s) and the patent attorney will go through the invention at a kick-off meeting, or the inventor will provide a description of the invention to the patent attorney in another agreed way. The definition of the invention may be based on oral, written and / or pictorial material (drawings, photographs, videos, animations).

Preparation of a utility model application

The patent attorney prepares a utility model application proposal and reviews it with the applicant. In particular, the inventor (s) and / or other representatives of the applicant will evaluate the scope of the proposed claims and the description of the invention from a technical point of view. Typically, the process of preparing a utility model application involves 1-3 rounds of commenting and editing.

Registration of a utility model

The registration of a utility model is performed by submitting the application to the Patent and Registration Authority and paying the registration fee. Utility models are subject to a registration procedure. The registration authority will only examine the formal conditions for registration of a utility model. If necessary, the registration authority will issue an interlocutory injunction requesting the applicant to rectify the formal deficiencies in the application. The patent attorney typically assists the applicant in analyzing the interim decision, preparing a response, and submitting it to the Office.

Renewal of the utility model

In Finland, the utility model is valid for a maximum of ten years. The utility model is valid for four years from the date of application, after which it can be renewed for four years and then for additional two years. Renewal requires payment of a maintenance fee.

Pricing examples

Please note that the price estimate for a utility model application always depends on the time it takes to complete the application. This is affected, for example, by how accurately the invention is described, whether there are ready-made contours of the product or device, how accurate it is, what is known, whether the subject matter of the invention changes during the preparation of the utility model application and how many rounds of comments are required.