The protection provided by a utility model can be expanded from Finland to other countries. The day of filing the first application marks the beginning of a 12-month period known as the priority period. During the priority period, it is possible to file a corresponding application abroad as a utility or patent application, depending on the inventiveness of the utility model as well as legislation in different countries.

The utility model system is not as widespread as the patent system. In addition to Finland, countries such as Denmark, Germany, Estonia and Austria have utility model laws. National utility model systems differ considerably by country. Our experts will be glad to provide more information on utility model systems and the need for protection in different countries.