Utility Models

Under the Japanese Utility Model Law, the subject matter of protection is a smaller-scale invention of a "device" that does not involve as much creativity as required by an invention protected by a patent. As means for protecting technical ideas, YKI provides professional services related to utility model applications, along with services for patent applications.

In the event of a dispute, YKI offers comprehensive assistance in enforcing the utility model right, by carrying out procedures for requesting the JPO to issue a utility model search report, and providing evaluations of the utility model right, infringement opinions, evidence searches, advice for changing technical designs, negotiation strategy proposals, and license negotiation services.