Utility Models and Industrial Designs

Utility Models and Industrial Designs

Utility Models in Ecuador require novelty and usefulness. The non-obviousness requirement is lower than for a patent thus Utility Models are protected for 10 years. However, utility model applications can be converted into patent applications and vice versa. Usually patent regulations are applied to utility models as well.    

Industrial designs require only novelty in order to get a registration. Protection is granted for 10 years.