Utilized Model Systems Research Articles

Cannabinoids and Genetic Epilepsy Models: A Review with Focus on CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder

Pediatric genetic epilepsies, such as CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder (CDD), are severely debilitating, with early-onset seizures occurring more than ten times daily in extreme cases. Existing antiseizure drugs frequently prove ineffective, which significantly impacts child development and diminishes the quality of life for patients and caregivers. The relaxation of cannabis legislation has increased research into potential therapeutic properties of phytocannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD’s antiseizure properties have shown promise, particularly in treating drug-resistant genetic epilepsies associated with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome (DS), and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). However, specific research on CDD remains limited. Much of the current evidence relies on anecdotal reports of artisanal products lacking accurate data on cannabinoid composition. Utilizing model systems like patient-derived iPSC neurons and brain organoids allows precise dosing and comprehensive exploration of cannabinoids’ pharmacodynamics. This review explores the potential of CBD, THC, and other trace cannabinoids in treating CDD and focusing on clinical trials and preclinical models to elucidate the cannabinoid’s potential mechanisms of action in disrupted CDD pathways and strengthen the case for further research into their potential as anti-epileptic drugs for CDD. This review offers an updated perspective on cannabinoid’s therapeutic potential for CDD.

The Impact of Utility Model Patent Quality on Export Performance in China: A Moderated Mediation Effect Model

Utility model patent quality is vital for emerging countries to cultivate a strong domestic market and increase openness. Given China’s high-quality development, this study incorporates enterprise utility model patent quality and export domestic value-added rate (DVAR) into a unified analysis framework to explore their relationship using authorized patent data and financial and customs data of Chinese industrial enterprises from 2002 to 2014. The utility model patent data used to support this study’s findings were provided by the Incopat Patent Database, while the enterprise financial data and customs data were supplied by the RESSET Database. The empirical results show that: (i) utility model patent quality significantly contributes to enterprises’ export DVAR; (ii) factor-intensive heterogeneous analysis indicates that the utility model patent quality of capital-intensive enterprises has a more significant promotion effect on DVAR; (iii) the price–cost markup and the relative price of intermediate goods are crucial domestic channels for utility model patent quality to promote DVAR; and (iv) market segmentation moderates the mediating role of the domestic intermediate relative price. Therefore, the government should further improve the utility model system, focus on increasing domestic market advantages, and develop industry-specific patent guidance policies. This study contributes to the literature by exploring the influence of utility model patent quality on enterprises’ DVAR using an optimized utility model quality index, providing policy references for optimizing China’s utility model patent system and upgrading the import gains of enterprises. However, this study has some limitations, and future research should strengthen the subdivision of utility model patents in different industries and explore the economic performance of the combination of inventions and utility models.

Exploring the Possibility of Utility Model Protection in India

The basic rationalization behind Utility Models is that patents are not suited in circumstances where the innovation is mostly based on craftsmanship performed in response to a real but limited need. Over the past few years, the intellectual property regime in India has been able to reinforce and strengthen its roots in the structure of the legal system despite numerous challenges and limitations. But the main question is whether the Indian industry has been able to truly exploit the law of IPR for their growth or not? Going by the record it seems that only big national and Multi-National Corporations have succeeded in extracting the benefits of India’s IPR reign because patent laws of India require a high threshold level of inventiveness which is accompanied with the cumbersome and highly technical application process, which is a quite a costly affair for small industries. In the present legal framework of India, the innovators of frugal or small inventions are unable to patent their inventions under the existing legal regime. The crisis has enlarged due to higher level of inventiveness. The utility model protection system developed to provide an alternate and auxiliary system to protect the inventions having a modulating level of inventiveness. Therefore, this paper intends to present the foundations of a legal framework which can strike a balance between the strong Patent system and a flexible utility model system which has a potential to boost innovation in India. The author in this paper looks into the possibility of legislating a separate law for the protection of utility models to promote economic and technological development.

The Renin-Angiotensin System in the Tumor Microenvironment of Glioblastoma.

Simple SummaryGlioblastoma (GB) is the most aggressive brain cancer in humans. Patient survival outcomes have remained dismal despite intensive research over the past 50 years, with a median overall survival of only 14.6 months. We highlight the critical role of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) on GB cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment which, in turn, influences cancer stem cells in driving tumorigenesis and treatment resistance. We present recent developments and underscore the need for further research into the GB tumor microenvironment. We discuss the novel therapeutic targeting of the RAS using existing commonly available medications and utilizing model systems to further this critical investigation.Glioblastoma (GB) is an aggressive primary brain tumor. Despite intensive research over the past 50 years, little advance has been made to improve the poor outcome, with an overall median survival of 14.6 months following standard treatment. Local recurrence is inevitable due to the quiescent cancer stem cells (CSCs) in GB that co-express stemness-associated markers and components of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS). The dynamic and heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a fundamental role in tumor development, progression, invasiveness, and therapy resistance. There is increasing evidence showing the critical role of the RAS in the TME influencing CSCs via its upstream and downstream pathways. Drugs that alter the hallmarks of cancer by modulating the RAS present a potential new therapeutic alternative or adjunct to conventional treatment of GB. Cerebral and GB organoids may offer a cost-effective method for evaluating the efficacy of RAS-modulating drugs on GB. We review the nexus between the GB TME, CSC niche, and the RAS, and propose re-purposed RAS-modulating drugs as a potential therapeutic alternative or adjunct to current standard therapy for GB.

Breathing New Life into the German Utility Model System in the Industry 4.0 Era

Abstract Key players of Industry 4.0, high-tech firms and individual inventors, do not use patents to exclude others due to the open source philosophy and the risk of a counter-infringement assertion. These key players have developed new uses of patents: (1) defensive use to avoid litigation and (2) proactive use to promote open innovation. They want to be rewarded with the freedom to operate instead of monopoly profits through exclusivity. To better serve the key players in light of these new uses, the German utility model system should be reformed by incorporating a statutory license to implement the open source philosophy and adopting a simplified claiming and disclosure format. The current German translation requirement should be removed to globalize the system.

Thermodynamic Insights by Microscale Thermophoresis into Translesion DNA Synthesis Catalyzed by DNA Polymerases Across a Lesion of Antitumor Platinum-Acridine Complex.

Translesion synthesis (TLS) through DNA adducts of antitumor platinum complexes has been an interesting aspect of DNA synthesis in cells treated with these metal-based drugs because of its correlation to drug sensitivity. We utilized model systems employing a DNA lesion derived from a site-specific monofunctional adduct formed by antitumor [PtCl(en)(L)](NO3)2 (complex AMD, en = ethane-1,2-diamine, L = N-[2-(acridin-9-ylamino)ethyl]-N-methylpropionamidine) at a unique G residue. The catalytic efficiency of TLS DNA polymerases, which differ in their processivity and fidelity for the insertion of correct dCTP, with respect to the other incorrect nucleotides, opposite the adduct of AMD, was investigated. For a deeper understanding of the factors that control the bypass of the site-specific adducts of AMD catalyzed by DNA polymerases, we also used microscale thermophoresis (MST) to measure the thermodynamic changes associated with TLS across a single, site-specific adduct formed in DNA by AMD. The relative catalytic efficiency of the investigated DNA polymerases for the insertion of correct dCTP, with respect to the other incorrect nucleotides, opposite the AMD adduct, was reduced. Nevertheless, incorporation of the correct C opposite the G modified by AMD of the template strand was promoted by an increasing thermodynamic stability of the resulting duplex. The reduced relative efficiency of the investigated DNA polymerases may be a consequence of the DNA intercalation of the acridine moiety of AMD and the size of the adduct. The products of the bypass of this monofunctional lesion produced by AMD and DNA polymerases also resulted from the misincorporation of dNTPs opposite the platinated G residues. The MST analysis suggested that thermodynamic factors may contribute to the forces that governed enhanced incorporation of the incorrect dNTPs by DNA polymerases.

비교법적 관점의 小발명 보호 제도 검토 - 주요국의 실용신안제도를 중심으로 -

우리나라를 비롯한 전 세계 61개국에서 ‘小발명(micro-inventions)’을 보호하기 위한 제도로서 특허제도와 유사한 체계를 갖춘 ‘실용신안 (utility model) 제도’를 운용하고 있다. 그 구체적인 태양은 국가마다 차이가 있으나, 기본적으로 기존 제품을 개량하는 등 일정한 창작성 을 갖추었나 그 개량의 범주가 사소하여 특허의 보호요건을 충족하 기가 어려운 경우에 그러한 보호를 하고 있다. 각 국가에서 실용신안 제도를 도입하는 주요 목적은 자국의 중소기업이나 개인발명가들의 小발명을 보호하고 장려하기 위한 것이다. 따라서 일반적으로 실용 신안제도는 특허보다 더 완화된 보호요건과 간소한 등록절차를 둔 반면 짧은 보호기간을 부여한다. 반면, 실용신안은 일반적으로 단순 한 형식심사만으로 등록이 가능한‘선등록 후심사 정책’의 시행으로 불필요한 실용신안권이 창출될 수 있고, 또한 법적 안정성이 떨어질 수 있다는 단점이 있다. 우리나라의 실용신안제도는 근본적으로 특허제도와 차별성이 부 족하고 잦은 분쟁 등으로 잘 활용되지 않고 있다. 최근에는 특허·실 용신안 출원 건수 중 실용신안이 차지하는 비중은 약 2.9%에 불과할 정도로 활용률이 낮아 동 제도의 존치 여부에 대한 근본적인 문제가 대두되었다. 이에 이 글은 소발명을 보호하기 위한 역할을 제대로 수 행하지 못하는 현 제도의 전면적인 개편의 필요성을 위하여 주요국에서 운영하고 있는 실용신안제도를 비교·분석하였다. 이 글은 실용신안의 활성화를 위하여‘권리의 신속한 획득’과 ‘권리 행사의 편의성’을 위하여 제도의 변화가 필요하다고 주장한다. 특히, 호주의 혁신특허와 같이 신규성만을 심사하는 방안은 시사점을 준 다. 또한, 실용신안의 진보성 기준을 특허와 확실히 차이가 나도록 새롭게 정립하는 것이 중요한데, 호주의 혁신특허에서 ‘혁신성 (innovation step)’이라는 요건을 만들어 진보성보다 현저히 낮은 기준 을 정립하는 방안을 지지하는 바이다. 그 밖에도 ‘실용신안’이라는 명 칭을 ‘실용특허’로 변경하여 국민이 쉽게 이해할 수 있도록 하거나, 실용신안의 대상을 현재 물품발명에서 생산방법발명이나 물질발명 까지 포섭하도록 확대하는 방안도 제시하였다.

Cardiac-Specific Cre Induces Age-Dependent Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Mice.

The genetic modification of the mouse genome using the cre-lox system has been an invaluable tool in deciphering gene and protein function in a temporal and/or spatial manner. However, it has its pitfalls, as researchers have shown that the unregulated expression of cre recombinase can cause DNA damage, the consequences of which can be very detrimental to mouse health. Previously published literature on the most utilized cardiac-specific cre, αMHC-cre, mouse model exhibited a nonlethal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with aging. However, using the same αMHC-cre mice, we observed a cardiac pathology, resulting in complete lethality by 11 months of age. Echocardiography and histology revealed that the αMHC-cre mice were displaying symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) by seven months of age, which ultimately led to their demise in the absence of any HCM at any age. Molecular analysis showed that this phenotype was associated with the DNA damage response through the downregulation of activated p38 and increased expression of JNK, p53, and Bax, known inducers of myocyte death resulting in fibrosis. Our data urges strong caution when interpreting the phenotypic impact of gene responses using αMHC-cre mice, since a lethal DCM was induced by the cre driver in an age-dependent manner in this commonly utilized model system.

An Interrogation of Shared and Unique Copy Number Variants Across Genetically Distinct Zebrafish Strains.

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are a widely utilized model system for human disorders, but common laboratory strains have distinct behavioral and physiological differences. Accompanying these known strain differences, commonly used "wildtype" zebrafish strains have both shared and unique suites of single nucleotide polymorphisms and copy number variants (CNVs). Despite this, genomic variation is often ignored in study design, and the actual strain used is often not adequately reported. The goal of this study was to assess CNVs across three common laboratory strains of zebrafish-AB, Tubingen (TU), and WIK-and provide these data as a tool for the zebrafish community. Herein we identified 1351 CNV regions within the most recent genome assembly (GRCz11) covering 1.9% of the zebrafish genome (31.7 Mb). CNVs were found across all chromosomes, and 2200 genes (5121 transcripts) lie within ±5 kb of identified CNVs, pointing to likely cis regulatory actions of CNVs on nearby gene neighbors. We have created a Public Session accessible on the UCSC Genome Browser to view CNVs from this study titled "danRer11 zebrafish CNV across strains" as a tool for the zebrafish community.

4차 산업혁명을 대비한 실용신안제도의 혁신 - 한중일 실용신안제도의 비교를 통하여 -

실용신안제도는 우리 산업발전사에서 나름대로 역할을 다 해왔고, 이를 통해 많은 중소기업 및 개인 발명가들이 제도의 혜택을 받았다. 그러나 소위 4차 산업혁명으로 일컬어지는 새로운 패러다임의 등장과 더불어 기술의 고도화 및 제조업 환경의 변화로 인해 실용신안제도의 실효성 에 대해 많은 의문이 제기되고 있는 실정이다. 그 결과가 국내 실용신안출원 및 등록의 급격한 양적 감소로 나타나고 있다. 이런 상황에서 우리 실용신안제도가 갖고 있는 한계의 극복과 활성 화 방안을 모색해보고, 급변하는 지식재산 생태계에 적합한 실용신안제도에 대해 살펴볼 필요가 있다. 실용신안제도의 활성화를 위해서는 먼저 실용신안권의 가치를 증대시킴으로써 발명자들이 실용신안제도를 보다 더 적극적으로 이용할 수 있도록 하는 것이다. 그 방안으로 실용신안권의 보호대상을 그동안 비보호대상이었던 물질이나 방법발명 등에도 확장시키고, 보호기간도 연장 하는 것이 바람직하다. 또한 대기업 등의 실용신안출원을 제한하고 중소기업이나 개인발명자 위주로 실용신안제도를 재편하는 것 또한 하나의 방안이 될 수 있다. 끝으로 발명자의 선택권을 최대한 보장하기 위하여 한 번의 출원으로 특허/실용신안 등록가능여부를 통지해주는 제도를 도입하는 것이다. 그러나 기술 환경 및 발명자의 인식 변화로 인해 실용신안제도의 활용도는 지속적으로 낮아 질 것으로 예상되는 바 혁신을 도모하고 4차 산업혁명의 시대성에 부합하기 위해서는 보다 일관 되고, 이용하기 편리하며 실질적으로 도움이 되는 특허제도로의 통합이 필요하다.

PLAC8, a new marker for human interstitial extravillous trophoblast cells, promotes their invasion and migration.

ABSTRACTProper differentiation of trophoblast cells in the human placenta is a prerequisite for a successful pregnancy, and dysregulation of this process may lead to malignant pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia. Finding specific markers for different types of trophoblast cells is essential for understanding trophoblast differentiation. Here, we report that placenta-specific protein 8 (PLAC8) is specifically expressed in the interstitial extravillous trophoblast cells (iEVTs) on the fetomaternal interface. Using model systems, including placental villi-decidua co-culture, iEVTs induction by using primary trophoblast cells or explants, etc., we found that PLAC8 promotes invasion and migration of iEVTs. Mechanistically, time-lapse imaging, GTPase activity assay, co-immunoprecipitation and RNA-seq studies show that PLAC8 increases the Cdc42 and Rac1 activities, and further induces the formation of filopodia at the leading edge of the migratory trophoblast cells. More interestingly, PLAC8 is significantly upregulated under hypoxia and expression of PLAC8 is higher in iEVTs from preeclamptic placentas when compared with those from the normal control placentas. Together, PLAC8 is a new marker for iEVTs and plays an important role in promoting trophoblast invasion and migration.

4차 산업혁명 시대의 실용신안제도 운용방안

4차 산업혁명 시대의 실용신안제도 운용방안

Study on the activation plan of the utility model system in the modern industrial environment -Focused on comparative analysis of utility model laws in Korea, China and Japan-

Study on the activation plan of the utility model system in the modern industrial environment -Focused on comparative analysis of utility model laws in Korea, China and Japan-

Need for speed? Exploring the relative importance of patents and utility models in Germany (WITHDRAWN)

Despite the wide use of two-tiered patent systems (patents and utility models), there is little empirical evidence about how often and what kind of firms use utility models to protect their intellectual property and how firms rank them relative to patents. We offer such an analysis using data from Germany. We find that larger firms are more likely to use both protection methods. Moreover, a short life cycle of products and services is associated with an increased likelihood to use utility models. The peculiarities and functioning of the German utility model system have important implications as it has been a benchmark for several second tier patent protection systems around the world.

Age-associated changes in DNA methylation across multiple tissues in an inbred mouse model

Epigenetic disruption has been implicated in many diseases of aging, and age-associated DNA methylation changes at specific genomic loci in humans are strongly correlated with chronological age. The aim of this study was to explore the specificity of selected age-associated differentially methylated positions (aDMPs) identified in human epidemiological studies by quantifying DNA methylation across multiple tissues in homologous regions of the murine genome. We selected four high-confidence aDMPs (located in the vicinity of the ELOVL2, GLRA1, MYOD1 and PDE4C genes) and quantified DNA methylation across these regions in four tissues (blood, lung, cerebellum and hippocampus) from male and female C57BL/6J mice, ranging in age from fetal (embryonic day 17) to 630 days. We observed tissue-specific age-associated changes in DNA methylation that was directionally consistent with those observed in humans. These findings lend further support to the notion that changes in DNA methylation are associated with chronological age and suggest that these processes are often conserved across tissues and between mammalian species. Our data highlight the relevance of utilizing model systems, in which environmental and genetic influences can be carefully controlled, for the further study of these phenomena.

Abstract A31: Elucidating mechanisms that cooperate with the therapeutic inhibition of RNA polymerase I to treat MYC-driven hematological malignancies

Abstract The MYC oncoprotein and transcription factor has a well-described role in harnessing and driving ribosome biogenesis (RiBi) via its regulation of all three RNA polymerases, and it is proposed that this is a crucial output of MYC's malignant function. Thus, the potential for therapeutic intervention in a broad range of MYC-driven cancers may converge on targeting the RiBi program, potentially as monotherapy or, more likely, as a basis for rational combination therapies. Indeed, small molecule (CX-5461) inhibition of RNA Polymerase I (Pol I), a major MYC target, selectively kills MYC-driven lymphoma in vivo via activation of a p53-dependent nucleolar stress response. While CX-5461 potently inhibits ribosome biogenesis in a MYC-driven B-cell lymphoma via p53-dependent apoptosis, it is unclear whether all malignancies will respond similarly. Furthermore, as we predict resistance to CX-5461 and tumor relapse from our in vivo mouse studies, the need to identify pathways responsible for mediating resistance to Pol I inhibition in the background of oncogenic MYC is necessary for future development of rational combination therapies. To address these key questions, we have undertaken multiple approaches. Firstly, we are utilizing model systems of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) to take both an unbiased and a direct approach to understanding the role of MYC in mediating CX-5461 sensitivity. Secondly, to identify factors conferring acquired resistance to CX-5461 we have used the well-characterized Eµ-Myc mouse model of MYC-mediated lymphoma where, following a period of disease remission, prolonged dosing of CX-5461 in mice bearing lymphomas results in eventual relapse due to acquired drug resistance. Thus, we compared whole-exome sequencing data between isogenic sensitive and CX-5461 resistant B-cell lymphomas to identify additional mutations conferring drug resistance. Finally, we are using the Eµ-Myc model to investigate the regulation of rDNA transcription itself during cancer progression. Compared to wild type B-cells, malignant MYC over-expressing B-cells have hyper-activated Pol I and increased rDNA transcription. This increase in transcription is associated with a dramatic increase in the number of transcriptionally active rDNA repeats, indicating changes in chromatin structure during transformation. In order to assess epigenetic changes at the rDNA loci and to identify long distance rDNA interactions occurring during malignant progression, we have used ChIP-seq and circularized chromosome conformation capture sequencing (4C-seq) at all cell stages of malignancy in vivo (wild type, pre-malignant and malignant Eµ-Myc B-cells). We demonstrate that transition from premalignancy to malignancy is associated with robust changes in rDNA chromatin as well as reorganization of rDNA-genome interactions with a significant increase in these interactions being detected in malignant cells. Our data provide evidence for MYC-driven activation of rDNA in cancer progression beyond ribosome biogenesis and offer novel insights into the spatial and transcriptional dynamics of the rDNA-associated genome during malignant transformation. We will present our latest data on all fronts aimed at understanding the critical role that MYC plays in therapeutic inhibition of Pol I transcription. Citation Format: Gretchen Poortinga, Jeannine Diesch, Elaine Sanij, Nadine Hein, Jirawas Sornkum, Donald Cameron, Megan J. Bywater, Ricky Johnstone, Denis Drygin, Sean O'Brien, Richard B. Pearson, Grant A. McArthur, Ross D. Hannan. Elucidating mechanisms that cooperate with the therapeutic inhibition of RNA polymerase I to treat MYC-driven hematological malignancies. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Myc: From Biology to Therapy; Jan 7-10, 2015; La Jolla, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2015;13(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A31.

Efficient end-capping synthesis of neutral donor-acceptor [2]rotaxanes under additive-free and mild conditions.

Efficient end-capping synthesis of neutral donor-acceptor (D-A) [2]rotaxanes without loading any catalysts or activating agents was achieved by utilizing high reactivity of a pentacoordinated hydrosilane toward salicylic acid derivatives. As components of [2]rotaxanes, an electron-deficient naphthalenediimide-containing axle with a salicylic acid terminus and several electron-rich bis(naphthocrown) ether macrocycles were employed. End-capping reactions with the pentacoordinated hydrosilane underwent smoothly even at low temperature to afford the corresponding [2]rotaxanes in good yields. A [2]rotaxane containing bis-1,5-(dinaphtho)-38-crown-10 ether as a wheel molecule was synthesized and isolated in 84% yield by the end-capping at -10 °C, presenting the highest yield ever reported for the end-capping synthesis of a neutral D-A [2]rotaxane. It was found that the yields of the [2]rotaxanes in the end-capping reactions were almost parallel to the formation ratios of the corresponding pseudo[2]rotaxanes estimated by utilizing model systems. These results indicate that the end-capping reaction using the pentacoordinated hydrosilane proceeded without perturbing the threading process, and most of the pseudo[2]rotaxanes underwent efficient end-capping reaction even at low temperature.

Physiological and Immunological Regulations in Caenorhabditis elegans Infected with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi

Studies pertaining to Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infection by utilizing model systems failed to mimic the essential aspects of immunity induced by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, as the determinants of innate immunity are distinct. The present study investigated the physiological and innate immune responses of S. Typhi infected Caenorhabditis elegans and also explored the Ty21a mediated immune enhancement in C. elegans. Ty21a is a known live vaccine for typhoidal infection in human beings. Physiological responses of C. elegans infected with S. Typhi assessed by survival and behavioral assays revealed that S. Typhi caused host mortality by persistent infection. However, Ty21a exposure to C. elegans was not harmful. Ty21a pre-exposed C. elegans, exhibited significant resistance against S. Typhi infection. Elevated accumulation of S. Typhi inside the infected host was observed when compared to Ty21a exposures. Transcript analysis of candidate innate immune gene (clec-60, clec-87, lys-7, ilys-3, scl-2, cpr-2, F08G5.6, atf-7, age-1, bec-1 and daf-16) regulations in the host during S. Typhi infection have been assessed through qPCR analysis to understand the activation of immune signaling pathways during S. Typhi infections. Gene silencing approaches confirmed that clec-60 and clec-87 has a major role in the defense system of C. elegans during S. Typhi infection. In conclusion, the study revealed that preconditioning of host with Ty21a protects against subsequent S. Typhi infection.

Reexamination of the Effectiveness of Utility Model System in Korea : Compared with the Patent

Reexamination of the Effectiveness of Utility Model System in Korea : Compared with the Patent

Should China Keep the Present Utility Model System? A Look at the Experiences of Germany, Japan, and the United States and the Prospect in China

Utility Model system, as a typical second tier patent system, is the tool for protecting less creative innovations in many countries. China has established this system since the year 1984. If only from the perspective of number of applications, utility model system is successful in China. However, its practical significance should be analyzed. This article attempts to provide such an analysis. This article first considers the treaty obligations of China, and concludes that they do not require China to adopt utility model protection. Next, it investigates the utility model system in Germany and Japan, and also the protection of less creative innovations in the United States. It contends that second tier system is needed even in a highly industrialized society, and if criteria are properly set, this system could be attractive. Based on this, it then analyzes the inventiveness criteria under German, Japanese and Chinese law, and their applications in practice. The article then turns to discuss the present utility model protection in China. It argues that, although utility models are very popular in China, their merits on enforcing rights are not significant. For a better protection of less creative domestic industry in China, the utility model system should be revised: protectable subject matter needs to be extended and the scope of prior art needs to be restricted.