Utility Model: A Tool for Economic and Technological Development in Africa. Case of Nigeria

Abstract

Utility model -A tool for economic and technological development: A case study of Nigeria. This research study focuses on various aspects of utility model protection system which provides a supplementary alternate system to patent and industrial design protection system in order to protect the inventions particularly those of incremental nature having lower level of inventiveness. Since the innovators of these small inventions are unable to protect their inventions under the patent law for the grant of patent due to higher level of inventiveness, they have no other choice but to fell discouraged and stranded particularly in the countries where such system for protecting these inventions, does not exist. This study also looks in to the role of utility models for economic and technological development. This system has been successfully exploited by Germany, the past for technological up gradation and economic development and currently also being exploited by developing countries like China. The study also had deep insight into the legal frame work relating to utility model system of these countries. While considering the various issues concerning this system including the contribution to economic and technical development. The study also analysed the suitability of utility model system to developing countries including Nigeria particularly to encourage the intellectual property creation activities of SMEs and small innovators as currently such activities in Nigeria appear to be very low as compared to other developing countries.