Utility Models

http://www.wipo.int/sme/en/ip_business/utility_models/utility_models.htm

http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/ipr/sme_guide_utility_models_bywipo.htm

These are two sites that discuss Utility Models, also know as "petty patents" or "utility innovations", which are used to protect inventions and innovations. A utility model is an exclusive right granted for an invention, which allows the right holder to prevent others from commercially using the protected innovation for a limited period of time. The term of protection is usually around 7 to 10 years for utility models. The requirements for utility models are less stringent than the requirements for patents, but they do vary from country to counrty. These are usually best suited for minor improvements to already existing products or adaptations of them. There is only a small number of countries that currently use them and according to 1000ventures.com, the US is not one of them yet. I think it is important for all companies to be aware of these models, as well as the other types of patents and copyrights, so they can safely protect their inventions and innovations. Innovation can bring great competitive advantage to a company, but that advantage can be quickly taken away if those innovations are not protected properly.