Key performance indicators for utility model systems

Abstract

We suggest key performance indicators (KPIs) that provide a systematic framework to analyse the functioning of utility model (UM) systems. The KPIs are based on a literature review and a content analysis of the webpages of IP offices in countries offering UM protection in 2021. Generally, the IP offices highlight UMs to be shorter, simpler, faster, and cheaper protection methods compared to patents but there are differences how these features are highlighted. The differences between UMs and patents lead to multidimensional sorting as economic agents choose within the IP menu which determine the observed differences in characteristics and outcomes of patents and UMs. National differences call for separate context-dependent KPIs for UM systems.