Finland was the first Nordic country to introduce the utility model 20 years ago

In 1992, Finland introduced the utility model to work alongside the standard patent. At that time, the utility model was already in use in several countries, but among the Nordic countries Finland was the first. In the last two decades the utility model has established its position in protecting inventions made by private persons and companies.

The utility model is a fast way to acquire exclusive rights to an invention. It prevents others from entering the same market with similar products. In Finland, approximately 500 new utility models are applied for each year. The total number of utility models registered since 1992 is close to 10,000. Elsewhere in the world the utility model is used mainly to protect domestic inventions. The same holds true for Finland. Only 20–30 applications are filed yearly by foreign applicants.

At first, most applicants were private inventors and a kind of race developed among them to get the number 1 spot. Mr Hannu Karu won the race and his furniture invention acquired the historic registration number 1. Since then, Finnish companies have also realized the value of the utility model which allows them to supplement patent protection and ensure freedom of action. At present, companies file more than 50 percent of all applications. The most active applicant is Metso Paper Inc. with approximately 200 applications.

The utility models that have been registered relate to a wide range of technologies. What companies protect include the results of their product development, from papermaking machines, lifts, air conditioners, frequency converters and new telephone technology. According to statistics, different types of containers are the most popular kind of invention in utility model applications. Inventions related to house building are also common. Lots of fishing equipment inventions, including lures, fish traps and ice fishing equipment have also been registered during the years.

The utility model can be granted for an invention that is new and differs essentially from prior inventions. Essential difference means that for those skilled in the art the invention is not an obvious application of prior inventions. Protection is granted rapidly, within a few months, since the National Board of Patents and Registrations examines the novelty of the invention only on request. The utility model is valid for a shorter period than the patent, 10 years at the most.

The protection provided by the utility model equals that of the patent as long as the application is well drawn up and thorough preparations have been made before filing the application, meaning that the applicant has made sure that the invention is new and inventive.

Read more about the utility model on our website.

Make sure that your invention is new before submitting your application. More information on Espacenet and NBPR patent and utility model register.

For further information, please contact:
Consulting engineers, Patents and Innovations line
Mon–Fri 9.00–11.00 and 12.00–15.00
Tel. +358 9 6939 5858
E-mail neuvonta.patentti@prh.fi