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Utility Model

Duration: 1–2 years
Protection term: 10 years (non-extendable)

If your invention has novelty and industrial applicability but the inventive step is not strong enough for a patent, the utility model is a pragmatic alternative. It grants 10 years' protection, the fees are lower, and the process is significantly faster than a patent.

§1 Patent vs Utility Model

Criterion	Patent	Utility Model
Protection term	20 years	10 years (non-extendable)
Inventive-step requirement	Not obvious (strict)	Non-trivial (flexible)
Examination time	2–4 years	1–2 years
Fees	High	Low
Scope	Product + method + chemical	Product only (methods and chemicals excluded)

§2 When to choose a utility model?

An improved version of an existing design
"Non-trivial" but below the threshold of "inventive"
Speed-to-market pressure (shorter examination)
Low-budget R&D output
Parallel patent strategy (utility model first, main patent later)

Decision tree: Patent Eligibility Test →

§3 Process

Prior-art search (Espacenet)
Specification + claim structure
EPATS filing
Formal examination
Novelty search
Bulletin publication
Registration

Total: 1–2 years.

§4 Anonymised case

A machinery manufacturer in Erciyes OSB developed a more robust mounting module for an existing CNC machine part. The inventive step was too weak for a patent (not difficult for a person skilled in the art), but novelty was present. The utility model was granted in 14 months; the client successfully created a barrier against competitors and held its market edge for 10 years.

— Salih Aksebzeci, from a 2023 file (anonymised)

§5 FAQ

Is a utility model valid internationally? · Can I convert it to a patent later? · Is a TÜBİTAK 1507-funded utility model possible? · Can I renew it? · What are my rights in case of infringement? · Can my method invention be protected as a utility model?

Sources

SMK No. 6769 arts. 142-149

Author: Salih Aksebzeci · TÜRKPATENT Agent Registry No. 188 · Last updated: 2026-05-14

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