What is the difference between a patent and a utility innovation?
Last Updated on: 28/08/2019A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention, which is a product or a process that provides a new way of doing something, or offers a technical solution to a problem. A patent provides protection for a period of 20 years from the date of filing.
A utility innovation is an exclusive right granted for a ‘minor’ invention. The requirements for acquiring a utility model are less stringent than for patents. Utility innovations are protected for an initial period of 10 years which may be extended for another two 5-year terms, providing a total protection period of 20 years.
(Source: Malaysia Intellectual Property Organisation)