incremental technical improvements;
inventions where the applicant prioritizes speed or procedural efficiency; and or
cases where protection is desired with a potentially simpler pathway than a fully examined patent (depending on the procedure and any later examination triggers).

Term and maintenance

Utility model term: 10 years from the filing date, subject to payment of applicable maintenance fees (Patent Act, NN 16/2020).

Typical documents

Typically similar to patent filings (request or form, description, claims, drawings if any, power of attorney, priority documents if claimed), with specific formalities per DZIV practice.