Korean IP Information: Utility Models

Utility Model Subject Matter

A creation of a technical idea using the rules of nature regarding the shape, structure or combination of subject (Utility model ¡×2,5).

Utility models are considered to be smaller inventions with shorter life cycles and have limited scope of protections compared to patents. For example, among other things, in utility models, methods are not allowed protection and utility models have a shorter period of protection (10 years compared to 20 years for a patent).

Utility models are beneficial for products with short life cycles and that are trendy.