The utility model in the specialized literature is also called a small invention. Objects that are of a technological nature and represent devices, products, apparatus or their parts can be protected as utility models. These are objects with constructive-technical peculiarities, referring to the improvement of the form, the functions, the spatial combination of the elements of devices, apparatus or their parts.

Application for registration of a utility model

In order to obtain registration for the utility model, it is necessary to file an application with the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria and to compile a description, claims and an abstract that meet the specified legal requirements.

After registering your utility model, you receive exclusive rights to the utility model, which include the right to use (manufacture, trade, offer for sale, etc.), the right to grant licenses or assign it to another person and the right to prohibit other persons from using the object without the consent of its owner.

The procedure for registration of a utility model is much shorter compared to the procedure for obtaining a patent and lasts only 3-4 months, as no substantive examination is performed and the utility model is not checked for novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability (no search is being made as to whether the claimed technical solution exists anywhere in the world).

Extension of the term of protection

The validity period of the registration of the utility model is 4 years from the date of submission of the application. After that, the protection can be extended for two more periods of 3 years, by paying the respective state fee or a total term of protection - 10 years.