Utility models are implements of work or objects to be utilized or parts of such implements or objects in so far as they are useful for the work or employment for which they are intended on account of a new configuration, a new arrangement or a new component device, and are industrially applicable.
Right to an Improvement Certificate on a Utility Model in Cameroon
The creator of a utility model or persons entitled to a certificate of registration of a utility model is, for the entire duration of the utility model, have the right to make changes, improvements or additions to the creation, complying for the filing of the application, with the formalities laid down in Articles 11 and 13 of the law.
Such changes, improvements or additions shall be recorded in certificates granted in the same form as the main certificate of registration which, as from the dates of application and grant respectively, shall have the same effects as the said main certificate of registration.
Improvement certificates taken out by one of the entitled persons shall benefit all the others
Duration of an Improvement Certificate on a Utility Model in Cameroon
Improvement certificates shall terminate with the main certificate of registration. However, invalidation of the main certificate of registration shall not invalidate as of right the corresponding improvement certificate or certificates and, even where absolute invalidity has been declared under the provisions of Article 34 of the law, the improvement certificate or certificates may survive the main certificate of registration until the normal term of the latter expires, subject to continued payment of the annual fees that would have been payable had the certificate of registration not been invalidated.
Conversion and Formalities of an Application for an Improvement Certificate of Registration of a Utility Model in Cameroon
Provided that an improvement certificate has not been granted, the applicant may effect the conversion of his application for an improvement certificate into an application for a certificate of registration of a utility model, the date of which shall be that of the original application.
Independence of the Right to Exploit Certificates of Registration of Utility Models Relating to the Same Subject Matter in Cameroon
Any person who has obtained a certificate of registration of a utility model for a creation related to the subject matter of another utility model shall have no right to exploit the creation already protected and, conversely, the owner of an earlier certificate of registration may not exploit the creation that is the subject of the new certificate of registration of a utility model.