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Utility Model Protection Outside Germany
In contrast to the patent system, there is no European filing route. Neither do all countries offer utility model protection. For example, there is no utility model in Switzerland.
General information about whether and how utility model protection can be obtained in the individual member states of the European Union is available through the 
Innovaccess website.
For information about utility model protection in non-EU states, please refer to the respective competent authority.
Your application takes priority!
If you wish to apply for protection outside Germany, you may claim priority of your German application in numerous states. This is generally possible if you file the respective invention with another patent office within a period of twelve months from the German utility model application.
If you file an application with a foreign patent office (Office of second filing) and wish to claim the priority of an earlier application, you must provide that office with the file number of the earlier application and usually submit a copy of the original application documents.
Click here to find out how to request the DPMA to provide a priority document, i.e. a copy of the originally filed application certified as correct by the DPMA.
Picture: iStock.com/ismagilov
Last updated: 27 November 2024
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