Utility Models

Protection of technical solutions, products, devices, technologies…

We can assist you with:

  • Utility model application drafting
  • Utility model application filing in the Czech Republic and representation before the Industrial Property Office of the Czech Republic (Czech IPO)
  • Foreign utility model application filing through our network of foreign associates and coordinating the proceedings
  • Assessing whether a product or service infringes specific patent rights or utility model rights (FTO Statement)
  • Utility model cancellation proceedings
  • Responses to office actions
  • Utility model renewal filings
  • Utility model enforcement against infringement
  • Utility model portfolio management
  • Utility model assignments, licenses and changes of ownership

Please contact our team for more information:

What is a utility model?
A utility model, sometimes called „petty patent“, is a protective document providing a monopoly right to technical solutions such as products, devices, apparatuses, chemical compounds etc. The utility model can be registered if its object fulfils the conditions of technical character, worldwide novelty and industrial applicability. Utility models are typically used for the protection of less ambitious technical improvements.

What are the benefits of a utility model?
Monopoly Right: A utility model provides to its proprietor the right to exploit the technical solution as defined in the main claim, to grant a license to exploit it to another person, as well as to prevent any other person from doing so. The technical solution to be protected by a utility model must thus be defined in the main claim clearly and unambiguously.

Technical Information: A utility model serves as a source of technical information for the public. The utility model must thus disclose how the invention can be produced or carried out, and must provide evidence that the product or apparatus has the claimed effects and advantages.


What types of utility models are available?
National Utility Model: A utility model is registered by the competent patent office for the state for which the utility model protection is sought. The registered utility model is valid only on the territory of this state. The requirements for utility model protection differ between states.

How can a utility model be obtained?
A utility model is registered on the basis of a utility model application which must contain a complete description of the product or apparatus to be protected, filed with the office (Czech IPO). The office assesses whether the description is complete, clear and concise, and invites the applicant to remedy any deficiencies if necessary. If he complies with the invitation, the utility model can be registered, otherwise the application is refused.

The registration procedure does not include assessment of novelty of the claimed object, although worldwide novelty is required by law. Thus, lack of novelty may result in cancellation of the utility model in the future.

The options for amendments are limited in the proceedings. Hence, it is very important to make sure that the utility model application is properly drafted, contains all necessary technical information and fulfills the formal requirements. Missing information cannot be added to the application during the proceedings.


What is the term of a utility model?
The maximum term of a utility model in the Czech Republic is 10 years, provided that prescribed renewal requests are duly filed and renewal fees are paid.

Why is it important to follow utility model information?
Prevention of Infringement: When launching products or services to the market, any commercial subject is obliged to ensure that the products or services do not infringe patents or utility models valid in the territories in which they are manufactured, stored or marketed. Hence, it is necessary to regularly search patent information databases which are available free of charge through internet, or commercially. If a product or a service which infringes a patent right is launched to the market, the patent proprietor will likely request removal of the product or service from the market as well as payment of damages.

Cancellation of Utility Models of Third Parties: If you find a utility model which prevents you from manufacturing or marketing a product or a service, and you know that the technical solution described in the utility model was not novel, you may file a cancellation action against the utility model to the competent patent office.