– Same as for “Patents of Invention“.

Applicant: the inventor or the legal successor.

Foreigners: must appoint an agent with a power of attorney.

Novelty: the subject matter of the utility model must be novel and must not be introduced for use prior to the filing.

Filing requirements for an application (to be sent to resident agent):
1. Request;
2. Explanatory note;
3. Abstract;
4. Drawings;
5. Power of attorney, simply signed.

Electronic filing: available (reduced filing fee).

Electronic signatures: are not accepted (only wet signatures). It is, however, possible to submit signed scanned copies of documents and the original does not need to be sent later.

Examination: only as to novelty.

Duration: ten years from the filing date.