Utility Models

Notion: utility models shall be understood as instruments, devices, tools, mechanisms and objects or parts thereof, where the form may be claimed, both in its external aspect and its functioning, provided that such form results in some beneficial contribution to their function, advantage or technical effect that they lacked before. 

Priority: one year for Convention applications.

Patentability: the model must be new and have industrial application.

Duration: ten years from the filing date.

Marking of patented goods: must bear the expression “Modelo de Utilidad” or “M.U.” and the serial number of the patent. 

General provisions: provisions for patents of invention are applicable, where appropriate, to utility models, without prejudice of above special provisions.