- Protection period
- 10 years; not renewable
- Process duration
- Generally shorter than the patent process; varies depending on deficiency notices, oppositions and Office correspondence
Table of contents
- What is utility model registration?
- What are the differences between a utility model and a patent?
- What can be protected as a utility model?
- What points should be considered in a utility model application?
- Who is a utility model suitable for?
- What rights does a utility model certificate give you?
- How does the utility model application process work?
- How long does a utility model take?
- Can you switch between a patent and a utility model?
- Official timeline for a utility model application
- 2026 official fees (utility model)
- What does Anlar Grup do in the utility model process?
What is utility model registration?
A utility model is an industrial property right that protects new and industrially applicable technical solutions for 10 years. It can be thought of as a faster and generally more economical alternative to a patent. In Türkiye, applications are handled by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT) under Industrial Property Law No. 6769 (SMK).
A utility model is especially suitable for inventors, manufacturers and SMEs who want to protect the structural solution of a product, apparatus or technical mechanism. Protection ends after 10 years and cannot be renewed.
What are the differences between a utility model and a patent?
| Feature | Utility model | Patent |
|---|---|---|
| Protection period | 10 years, not renewable | 20 years |
| Process and cost | Generally faster and more economical | Longer and more comprehensive |
| Subject matter | Focused on products and technical solutions | Can be granted for products and methods (processes) |
| Processes and methods | Not protected | Can be protected |
| When it is suitable | Short product life, fast market, limited budget | Long-term, broad protection goal |
Which one suits you is determined by what you want to protect, your product's market life and your budget. For a detailed comparison, you can read our article patent or utility model?, and for longer and more comprehensive protection, see our patent registration page.
What can be protected as a utility model?
A utility model protects solutions relating to the technical structure of products and mechanisms. The following can be considered as examples:
- Machine parts, apparatus and mechanisms
- Hand tools and equipment
- Packaging and closing mechanisms
- Structural improvements to agricultural, construction and household items
- Technical modifications that give an existing product added function or ease of use
On the other hand, processes and methods (such as a production process or a processing method) are not protected as utility models; a patent should be considered for them. If you only want to protect the outward appearance of a product, industrial design registration may be a more suitable route.
What points should be considered in a utility model application?
- Do not make any disclosure before filing: Exhibiting the product at a trade fair, offering it for sale or sharing it online may undermine the novelty requirement.
- Define the technical solution clearly: What is to be protected must be explained clearly through the description, claims and drawings.
- Draft the claims carefully: Protection is limited to the scope written in the claims. Claims drafted too narrowly allow competitors to design around them easily.
- Calculate the priority right: Under the Paris Convention, the priority period for utility models is 12 months. If you are considering applying abroad, do not miss this period.
- Make sure the certificate is robust: That it is a fast and economical route does not mean the application can be prepared carelessly; since the certificate may later be challenged, the file needs to be built soundly from the start.
Who is a utility model suitable for?
For inventors, manufacturers and SMEs whose products have a short life, who need to reach the market quickly or who are looking for protection on a limited budget, a utility model is often a sensible starting point. For structural improvements such as apparatus, mechanisms, hand tools and packaging mechanisms, 10 years of protection often covers the commercial life of the product. On the other hand, if you are developing a long-term, fundamental technology, a patent may be more suitable.
What rights does a utility model certificate give you?
The certificate gives its owner the authority to prevent the protected solution from being made, sold, used or imported without permission. You can use the right yourself, assign it, or earn revenue by granting a license. The scope of the right is determined by the limits written in the claims; therefore, drafting the claims carefully directly affects the strength of the protection.
How does the utility model application process work?
- Initial consultation: The product's technical features and protection goal are discussed; patent, utility model or design options are assessed.
- Preliminary search: Similar solutions are searched for and an opinion is formed on novelty.
- File preparation: The description, claims, abstract and drawings are prepared.
- Filing: The file is submitted to TÜRKPATENT and the filing date is recorded.
- Examination and correspondence: Deficiency notices or correction requests from the Office are answered within the periods set by the legislation.
- Publication and certificate: An application found acceptable is published and the utility model certificate is issued.
How long does a utility model take?
The utility model process is generally shorter than the patent process. Even so, it is not possible to give an exact period: deficiency notices, correction requests, third-party oppositions or Office correspondence may extend the time. We aim to reduce unnecessary correspondence by building the file completely from the start.
Can you switch between a patent and a utility model?
The legislation may allow conversion between patent and utility model applications under certain conditions and within certain periods. This option provides flexibility in cases where you are unsure at the outset. The conditions and periods need to be checked against the current legislation; we determine the strategy together with you in the initial consultation.
Note: The type of right you choose for the same invention also affects your options for protection abroad and for assignment later on. Getting a preliminary assessment before filing prevents you from losing time with the wrong type of right.
Official timeline for a utility model application
A utility model proceeds through a shorter process than a patent; however, missing the deadlines here as well causes the application to be deemed withdrawn. The timeline is compiled from Industrial Property Law No. 6769 (SMK).
| Stage | Period / rule | SMK |
|---|---|---|
| Formality examination | 2 months from the filing date are given for missing elements or Turkish translations; a further 2 months are given from the notice of formal deficiency | Art. 143 |
| Search request | Made within 2 months from the date formal compliance is notified, with payment of the fee; if not made, the application is deemed withdrawn | Art. 143 |
| Search report | Issued and published in the Bulletin; within 3 months from publication, the applicant may object to the report and third parties may submit opinions | Art. 143 |
| Grant of the utility model | The decision and the utility model are published in the Bulletin; if amendments are needed, 2 months from notification are given | Art. 143 |
| After grant | The opposition procedure used for patents is not available; invalidity can only be sought from the court. The Office gives no guarantee of validity or usefulness | Art. 143 |
| Term of protection | 10 years from the filing date; cannot be extended | Art. 101 |
What cannot be protected by a utility model: the law excludes chemical and biological substances, pharmaceutical substances and processes, and biotechnological inventions and processes (production methods) from the scope of utility models. For inventions in these fields, the patent route should be considered.
2026 official fees (utility model)
The amounts were taken from the 2026 table on TÜRKPATENT's "Utility Model Transaction Fee" page (checked on November 14, 2026). The service fee is not included.
| Item | 2026 fee |
|---|---|
| Utility model application | 620,00 TL |
| Search report (general tariff) | 5.180,00 TL |
| Search report — natural persons (up to 10 applications) and universities (up to 100 applications) | 2.530,00 TL |
| Issuance of the utility model certificate | 3.800,00 TL |
| Priority right request (for each priority) | 1.000,00 TL |
| Annual registration fee — 2nd year | 3.190,00 TL |
| Annual registration fee — 3rd year | 3.250,00 TL |
| Annual registration fee — 5th year | 4.660,00 TL |
| Annual registration fee — 10th year | 7.820,00 TL |
Example calculation (excluding annual fees): for an application under the general tariff, the total of the application, search report, and certificate issuance is 9.600 TL; under the natural-person tariff, it is 6.950 TL. When comparing with a patent, it should be borne in mind both that the examination report fee that applies to patents does not exist for utility models and that the term of protection is 10 years; for help choosing, see our guide Patent or utility model?
What does Anlar Grup do in the utility model process?
- Assessment of your product's suitability for a utility model, patent or design
- Preliminary search and opinion on novelty
- Preparation of the description, claims, abstract and drawings
- Filing, Office correspondence and deadline monitoring
- Guidance on priority right and protection abroad
Get a quote so that we can determine the most suitable protection for your product together.
What the service includes
- Suitability assessment for a patent, utility model or design
- Preliminary search and opinion on novelty
- Preparation of the description, claims, abstract and drawings
- TÜRKPATENT filing and monitoring of Office correspondence
- Generally a faster and more economical route than a patent
- Monitoring of the Paris priority right period
- Plain and clear guidance for inventors and SMEs
- In-person service in Konya and Ankara, and remote service as well
The application process, step by step
-
1
Initial consultation and choice of right
We listen to the technical structure of your product and together determine the suitable path among a utility model, patent or design.
-
2
Preliminary search
Similar solutions are searched for; a written preliminary opinion on novelty is prepared.
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3
File preparation
The description, the claims that draw the limit of protection, the abstract and the drawings are prepared meticulously.
-
4
Filing
The file is submitted to TÜRKPATENT, the filing date is recorded and the priority right periods are put under monitoring.
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5
Office correspondence
Deficiency and correction notices are answered within the periods set by the legislation.
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6
Certificate and 10-year monitoring
The utility model certificate is delivered; monitoring is set up for the end of the 10-year protection period.
Required information and documents
- Description of the product/solution (description) and drawings
- Claims (the scope to be protected) and abstract
- Applicant's identification or trade name details
- Inventor details
- Power of attorney (if the application will be filed through a representative)
- Priority document, if any
- Official fee payment receipt
Frequently asked questions about Utility Model Registration
How many years does a utility model protect?
The utility model protection period is 10 years and cannot be renewed. At the end of the term, protection ends and the solution becomes freely usable. If longer protection is needed, the patent option should be considered; patent protection lasts 20 years.
What is the difference between a utility model and a patent?
A utility model protects for 10 years, a patent for 20 years. A utility model is generally a faster and more economical route and is focused on technical solutions or products; it does not protect processes and methods. A patent, on the other hand, can be granted for products and methods, and is broader but longer-lasting.
Can a production method be protected by a utility model?
No. A utility model is focused on products and technical arrangements; processes and methods are not protected under a utility model. If you want to protect a production or processing method, you need to consider the patent option. In the initial consultation, we determine together which type of right suits your solution.
How long does a utility model application take?
The duration is generally shorter than for a patent, but an exact number of days cannot be given. Completing deficiencies, correction requests, oppositions, or correspondence with the Office can extend the process. Preparing the file completely and soundly from the start helps speed up the process by reducing unnecessary correspondence.
Can I offer the product for sale before filing a utility model application?
This is not recommended. Disclosing, exhibiting, or offering the product for sale before filing can undermine the novelty requirement. Filing first and then launching the product on the market is the safest route. If you are going to talk with third parties, sign a written confidentiality agreement.
Is a utility model also protected abroad?
No, a utility model right is territorial. Under the Paris Convention, the priority period for utility model applications is 12 months; within this period you can file in other countries claiming the right of priority. Because not every country may have a utility model system, the target countries need to be checked in advance.
What are the official fees for a utility model application?
In TÜRKPATENT's 2026 table, the utility model application fee is 620 TL, the search report fee is 5.180 TL under the general tariff (2.530 TL for natural persons for up to 10 applications), and the fee for issuing the utility model certificate is 3.800 TL. Annual registration fees start in the 2nd year (2nd year 3.190 TL, 10th year 7.820 TL). The amounts may change and do not include the service fee.
