Utility models
Registration is granted to utility models which are new, involve an inventive step (the so called “small” inventive step) and are industrially applicable.
Exempt of legal protection and not regarded as utility models are discoveries, scientific theories and concepts; mathematical methods; results of artistic work; schemes, rules and methods for performing mental acts, playing games or doing business; computer programs; presentations of information. The human body and embryos, their elements and genes cannot be protected as utility models.
Registration is not granted to utility models, the publication or exploitation of which would be contrary to public order or morality, including methods for cloning people and using human embryos, methods for therapeutic or surgical treatment of human beings or animals as well as diagnostic methods (this exemption does not apply to substances and compounds used for carrying out of these methods); substances obtained through inter nuclear transformation and used for military purposes; plant varieties or animal breeds.
The validity term of a utility model registration is 4 years from the filing date of the application or priority date claimed in accordance with the Paris Convention. This protection term can be extended only twice – with 3 years each time.