A utility model
· provides similar to a patent protection for a new, inventive and technical idea
· aims at securing a monopoly
· unlike a patent, cannot protect a process
· has a limited life
· is registered by the Office after formal examination with no examination for novelty and _inventive step
· is examined for legal validity only in the event of infringement or a third party application _for deletion

A design
· provides protection for a new and original design (aesthetic creation)
· aims at securing a monopoly
· has a limited life
· is registered after formal examination

A trade mark
· is used to distinguish a product or service
· can be any sign, and in particular can comprise words, including personal names, _designs, letters, numerals, sounds or three-dimensional designs which are capable of _distinguishing the goods or services of one undertaking from those of other _undertakings,
· is registered by the Office after distinctive character has been verified,
· can be renewed as often as desired.

Patents, utility models and trade marks can be acquired for virtually any country in the world, on either a national or regional (e.g. European) basis. Utility models can only be acquired in certain countries.

The above information is not comprehensive and is certainly no substitute for legal advice. We recommend you to contact us with specific inquiries.

top of page