Overview   News and Updates   How can we help?   FAQ's   Contact Us Compared with patents, the requirements for a utility model are more flexible and therefore generally easier to satisfy.  The term of protection is shorter than that of a patent and varies from country to country - up to a maximum of 10 years.  Utility models are generally territorial rights and therefore the protection is limited to the state for which the protection is granted.  Utility models are not availabe in the United States. Not all types of invention may be placed under the protection of a utility model.  In Europe, for example, inventions in the field of microorganisms are only patentable, however program logic on which programs for data processing systems are based may be protected by utility models, but not by patents. Noblitt & Gilmore has registered patent attorneys, foreign associates, patent agents and technology specialists qualified to assist you with obtaining utility model registrations. We would be happy to discuss other features and more specific details of this area of our practice at your request. For more information, please give us a call. These materials have been prepared by Noblitt & Gilmore, LLC for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.  This information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute, an attorney-client relationship between Noblitt & Gilmore, LLC and the Reader.  Readers should not act on this information without first seeking professional counsel.  Please contact us directly at (480) 994-9025 before sending any material.