A Utility Model is a technical solution relating to a device (construction, mechanism, product) that possesses:
- Novelty (not known from the prior art);
- Industrial applicability (capable of being used in production).
Utility Model Registration is the procedure for obtaining a patent for a technical solution relating to a device (structure, mechanism, product).
A utility model offers a streamlined path to patent protection for technical solutions relating to devices. Often called a “petty patent” or “innovation patent” in some jurisdictions, it provides a faster, more cost-effective alternative to full invention patents for certain innovations.
Key Differences from an Invention:
- No inventive step requirement (may be obvious to a specialist);
- Patent term: 10 years (compared to 20 years for invention patents);
- Faster and more cost-effective registration procedure.
Examples of Utility Models:
- An improved tool design;
- A modified household appliance;
- A technical enhancement of a mechanical part.
What Can Be Protected as a Utility Model?
- Machines and mechanisms;
- Instruments and apparatuses;
- Components and parts;
- Tools and implements.
The following CANNOT be protected as utility models:
- Methods, processes, or technologies (eligible for invention patents only);
- Software or algorithms;
- Aesthetic/design solutions (protected as industrial designs).
Key Terminology for Utility Model Registration in Russia:
- Patent: A title of protection granted for a utility model, valid for 10 years from the filing date;
- Rospatent: Federal Service for Intellectual Property of the Russian Federation;
- FIPS: Federal Institute of Industrial Property, the examining body under Rospatent;
- Utility Model Claims: A concise statement of the technical essence defining the scope of protection;
- Priority Date: The filing date of the first application, establishing precedence over later filings;
- Patent Search: Prior art search to assess novelty and registration prospects.
- Patent Search: Preliminary analysis of prior art to assess novelty
- Application Preparation: Drafting the complete application package (detailed description of the utility model, claims (one independent claim + dependent claims), abstract, drawings (if applicable))
- Filing with Rospatent: Submission of the application and formal examination for compliance with requirements
- Substantive Examination: Review of novelty (inventive step is not examined)
- Patent Grant: Issuance of the patent approximately 1 month after payment of the final fee
Estimated Timelines for Utility Model Registration in Russia:
Utility Model Registration Procedure: From 2 months, maximum 4 months
Official State Fees for Utility Model Registration in Russia:
Application filing (base)
(for each additional claim over 10) |
about $25
(about $12.50) |
| Substantive examination decision |
about $37.50 |
| Registration & electronic patent |
about $125 |
| Annual maintenance fees (from filing date) |
from $37.50/year |
Example Calculation (Basic Application – 10 claims): Application ($25) + Examination ($37.50) + Registration ($125) = $187.50 (excluding patent attorney fees and future annuities).
Paper patent issuance (upon request): about $37.
Our Service Fees for Utility Model Registration in Russia:
The registration cost is determined on a case-by-case basis upon contract execution and depends on the following factors:
- Scope of work to be performed (complexity of the technical field);
- Range of services provided (number of claims and dependent claims);
- Number of required expert actions.
Please contact us for a personalized quote tailored to your specific utility model.
Core Regulatory Framework for Utility Model Registration:
- Part IV of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation;
- Government Resolution No. 941 of December 10, 2008 “On Approval of the Regulation on Patent and Other Fees for the Performance of Legally Significant Actions Related to Patents for Inventions, Utility Models, and Industrial Designs; with the State Registration of Trademarks and Service Marks; with the State Registration and Granting of Exclusive Rights to Geographical Indications and Appellations of Origin; as well as with the State Registration of the Alienation of an Exclusive Right to an Intellectual Property Result or Means of Individualization; the Pledge of an Exclusive Right; the Granting of the Right to Use Such a Result or Means under an Agreement; and the Transfer of an Exclusive Right to Such a Result or Means without an Agreement”;
- Order of the Ministry of Economic Development No. 164 of December 14, 2020 “On Approval of the Administrative Regulations for the Provision by the Federal Service for Intellectual Property of the Public Service for the State Registration of a Utility Model and the Issuance of a Patent for a Utility Model or Its Duplicate”;
- Order of the Ministry of Economic Development No. 701 of September 30, 2015 “On Approval of the Rules for the Preparation, Submission, and Review of Documents Forming Legally Significant Actions for the State Registration of Utility Models, and Their Forms; Requirements for Utility Model Patent Application Documents; the Contents of Information on the Issue of a Utility Model Patent Published in the Official Bulletin of the Federal Service for Intellectual Property; the Contents of Information Indicated in the Utility Model Patent Form; and the Utility Model Patent Form”.
Protect your technical solution in just 2-4 months. Contact us for a free consultation on utility model registration.
