A utility model is one of the industrial property rights that allows for the protection of practical technical solutions of a permanent form. For many innovative companies, registering a utility model, meaning obtaining its effective protection, is a key step in building a competitive market advantage.
Under the Industrial Property Law (Article 94, Section 1):
A utility model is a new, industrially applicable technical solution concerning the shape or structure of an item of a permanent form, or of an item consisting of functionally related parts of a permanent form.
In simpler terms:
A utility model is a new and useful technical solution. It is characterized by its permanent form, meaning it is a physically defined object.
In practice, it is easier to “patent” a utility model than to obtain a patent for an invention. Registering a utility moder (instead of patenting an invention) can lead to a faster protection of an innovation.
A new type of door lock with increased durability
Packaging with an innovative closing system
Improved handle construction in a hand tool
A bottle with an original dispenser
A ladder with an automatic step-locking mechanism
Ru.073918 – “Sweeping device” – utility model protection description
Ru.073179 – “Mosquito net frame profile” – utility model protection description
Ru.072340 – “Positioning device for welding” – utility model protection description
Ru.074029 – “Rail pad with damping function” – utility model protection description
Ru.072276 – “Snap fastener for mop end” – utility model protection description
The procedure for obtaining protection for a utility model at the Polish Patent Office is similar to that of obtaining a patent for an invention.
Steps of registration:
Filing an application with UPRP including a technical description, drawings, protection claims, and an abstract. Applicant and inventor details must be provided, along with a fee.
The Office assigns an application number and filing date, followed by a formal verification of completeness.
Within 9 months, UPRP prepares a state-of-the-art report with an initial opinion on protectability and sends it to the applicant.
After 18 months, the application is published in the PPO’s Bulletin.
The Office conducts substantive examination, checking novelty, usefulness, and permanent form.
If obstacles are found (e.g., lack of novelty), a notification is sent to the applicant, who usually has 1 month to reply.
If no objections remain, the Office issues a conditional decision to grant protection. The applicant must then pay official fees for the first protection period and publication.
After payment, the Office issues a certificate of protection including description and drawings.
Once the decision is published, a 6-month opposition period begins for third parties.
Utility model protection lasts 10 years from the application date, provided periodic renewal fees are paid. Legal advice from a patent attorney is strongly recommended for drafting descriptions and managing the process efficiently.
Registering a utility model grants the holder exclusive commercial and professional rights to exploit the solution within the territory of Poland. The scope of protection is defined by the claims in the description.
Utility model protection ensures:
Exclusive right of use in Poland for up to 10 years
Right to prohibit competitors from producing, offering, selling, importing, exporting or storing products covered by the model in Poland
Effective enforcement in case of infringements, including claims for damages
Prestige and marketing advantage
| Type of protection | Scope and characteristics | Procedure | Max. duration | Example |
| Utility model protection right | New, useful and durable technical solution (object, device) | Office checks novelty & usefulness | 10 years | Door lock mechanism |
| Patent for an invention | Advanced, novel technical solution (device, method, substance) | Office checks novelty, inventive step & industrial applicability | 20 years | New medicine formula |
| Registered industrial design | External appearance of a product, design | No examination of novelty or individuality – quick registration | 25 years | Original lamp shape |
Utility model rights grant protection of a technical solution in a way similar to patents, but without the high inventive step requirement. Industrial design registration, in contrast, only concerns the product’s aesthetic appearance, not technical functions.
Registering a utility model through obtaining protection rights is an effective and cost-efficient way to secure innovative technical products. The requirements are lower compared to classic patents, but the protection is equally useful against counterfeits and competition. Professional support from a patent attorney helps ensure correct technical description, timely payments, and a strong market position.
Do you need to register a design or protect a technical solution? Contact us – we will take care of your industrial property from idea to effective protection!
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