The Office examines applications against legal definitions and substantive conditions before ordering registration and issuing certificates.
What does the Office examine during the registration process for designs? Read More »
Utility model registrations expire after seven years from filing and cannot be renewed under the law.
What is the duration of protection for a registered utility model? Read More »
Anyone is permitted to inspect the Register and files of registered designs, including cancellation proceeding records.
Are design registrations and their files open to public inspection? Read More »
Utility models are cancelled if they fail to meet substantive registrability requirements like novelty or industrial applicability.
On what grounds can a utility model registration be cancelled regarding its eligibility? Read More »
Industrial designs are valid for five years and can be renewed twice for five-year periods.
What is the term of registration for an industrial design and can it be renewed? Read More »
Registration cancellation occurs if the description, claims, or necessary drawings do not meet the prescribed legal requirements.
Can a utility model be cancelled due to issues with the description or claims? Read More »
Registrations are cancelled if the owner is not the actual inventor or their authorized successor in title.
What happens if the owner of a utility model registration is not the actual inventor? Read More »
Patent applications can be converted into utility model applications once, retaining the initial filing date upon payment.
How can a patent application be converted into a utility model application? Read More »
Utility model applications may be converted into patent applications, preserving the original filing date if processed before registration.
Is it possible to convert a utility model application into a patent application? Read More »
Applicants are prohibited from filing parallel patent and utility model applications for the same subject matter.
