Zero Block
Click "Block Editor" to enter the edit mode. Use layers, shapes and customize adaptability. Everything is in your hands.
Tilda Publishing
create your own block from scratch
Patenting inventions and utility models in Russia and worldwide
Inventions and Utility Models
A patent is not just a formality — it is a real asset
A patent is not just a formality —
it is a real asset
it is a real asset
If you have a working technical solution that generates or could generate income, it’s the right time to think about its legal protection
It gives you the right to prohibit others from using, producing, or selling your invention without your permission. You decide whether to use the patent in your business, sell it, or grant a license. We will help you choose the right strategy: obtain a patent, keep the solution as know-how, or combine both approaches. This choice affects not only potential risks but also potential profits.
A patent is granted if the solution is new, involves an inventive step, and is industrially applicable. Examination at Rospatent takes 1.5–2 years. After a positive decision and payment of the official fee, you receive your patent.
The key stage is drafting the claims correctly. The claims determine the scope of protection — how securely the patent will protect your solution and whether it can be circumvented. We pay special attention to this step.
Before filing an application, it is important to conduct a patent search. This helps determine whether an identical solution already exists and assess the prospects for protection. You get a foundation for informed decision-making.
Obtaining the patent
Preliminary search
Filing the application
Work stages
FAQ
What is the difference between an invention and a utility model?
Utility models are sometimes called “small inventions.” A utility model is also a technical solution but relates only to a device. A device can be protected by a patent either as an invention or as a utility model.
Advantages and disadvantages:
For a utility model, there is no requirement of inventive step — even a solution that is obvious to a specialist but not described or applied anywhere can be protected by a utility model patent. The term of protection is shorter — 10 years versus 20 years for inventions.
Key differences:
1. Patentable subject matter:
— Invention: protects both a product (devices, substances, strains of microorganisms, cultures of plant or animal cells) and a method (a process of performing actions on a material object using material means).
— Utility model: protects only devices.
2. Patentability requirements:
— Invention: must be new, have an inventive step, and be industrially applicable.
— Utility model: must be new and industrially applicable.
The patentability requirements for utility models are less strict.
3. Term of protection:
— Invention: 20 years.
— Utility model: 10 years.
4. Doctrine of equivalents:
— Invention: the doctrine of equivalents applies.
— Utility model: the doctrine of equivalents does not apply.
The scope of protection for inventions is generally broader than for utility models.
Advantages and disadvantages:
For a utility model, there is no requirement of inventive step — even a solution that is obvious to a specialist but not described or applied anywhere can be protected by a utility model patent. The term of protection is shorter — 10 years versus 20 years for inventions.
Key differences:
1. Patentable subject matter:
— Invention: protects both a product (devices, substances, strains of microorganisms, cultures of plant or animal cells) and a method (a process of performing actions on a material object using material means).
— Utility model: protects only devices.
2. Patentability requirements:
— Invention: must be new, have an inventive step, and be industrially applicable.
— Utility model: must be new and industrially applicable.
The patentability requirements for utility models are less strict.
3. Term of protection:
— Invention: 20 years.
— Utility model: 10 years.
4. Doctrine of equivalents:
— Invention: the doctrine of equivalents applies.
— Utility model: the doctrine of equivalents does not apply.
The scope of protection for inventions is generally broader than for utility models.
What advantages does a patent holder have?
The patent holder has the exclusive right to the invention or utility model. In other words, the patent owner has the right to:
— use the patented solution in any lawful way;
— prohibit third parties from using the patented technical solution (note that the absence of prohibition is not permission);
— dispose of the patent — sell (assign) it or grant others the right to use it under a license;
— in case of infringement, demand cessation of unlawful use, compensation, damages, publication of the court decision to protect business reputation, and other remedies provided by law.
— use the patented solution in any lawful way;
— prohibit third parties from using the patented technical solution (note that the absence of prohibition is not permission);
— dispose of the patent — sell (assign) it or grant others the right to use it under a license;
— in case of infringement, demand cessation of unlawful use, compensation, damages, publication of the court decision to protect business reputation, and other remedies provided by law.
In which territory is a Russian patent valid?
A patent granted by Rospatent is valid only within the territory of the Russian Federation. After publication, no other applicant anywhere in the world can obtain exclusive rights to your technical solution; however, they may freely use it in products in other countries. Importing such products into the territory where your patent is valid is prohibited.
If you are interested in entering foreign markets, we recommend seeking patent protection in other countries. Today, inventions and utility models can be protected abroad under various international treaties and agreements, so choosing the optimal patenting procedure for your commercial interests is essential. Our specialists will gladly help you navigate this complex process.
If you are interested in entering foreign markets, we recommend seeking patent protection in other countries. Today, inventions and utility models can be protected abroad under various international treaties and agreements, so choosing the optimal patenting procedure for your commercial interests is essential. Our specialists will gladly help you navigate this complex process.