What is a Utility Model?
You’ve likely heard of utility patents and design patents. The utility patent protects an invention, a machine, a process, a chemical composition, or the like. A design patent protects the ornamental appearance of a thing. That is what it looks like. You may also have heard of a utility model, or, as they call it in Germany, a Gebrauchsmuster. The utility model is similar to a utility patent, but it is not examined and reviewed in detail by a patent examiner. While the utility model is published, it does not have the full power and impact of an issued patent. If you have any questions, you should talk to an experienced patent attorney.