Utility Model

A utility model right protects new technical ideas relating to, for example, the shape or structure of a product.  

Benefits of Obtaining a Utility Model

• Lower Cost and Faster Registration
  A utility model right can generally be obtained at a lower cost and in a shorter period of time than a patent.
• Exclusive Rights
  A utility model right gives its owner the exclusive right to practice the registered utility model.
• Licensing Opportunities
  Utility model right owners may generate licensing revenue by granting licenses to other companies to use the registered utility model.
• Protection Against Imitation
  A utility model right can be used to prevent competitors from copying or using the registered utility model without authorization. However, a Utility Model Technical Opinion must be presented when enforcing the right.

Note: Since utility model rights can be obtained without substantive examination, particular attention should be paid to the validity of the right. 

What to Prepare

Please prepare any materials that help us understand the key points of your idea, such as a prototype, drawings, sketches, or experimental results. Bullet-point notes or rough sketches are perfectly acceptable. There is no need to spend significant time preparing formal or detailed materials before consulting us.

Costs for Obtaining a Utility Model  

The total cost varies depending on factors such as whether a patent and utility model prior art search is conducted and the number of claims. As a general guideline, the total cost from filing through obtaining a utility model right is approximately JPY 350,000 to JPY 400,000, including tax, our professional fees, and official fees payable to the Japan Patent Office (JPO). For further details, please see our Utility Model Fee Schedule.

Utility Model Application Process