Utility Models Licenses & Assignments

In Tanzania, the process of granting licenses and assignments for utility models is generally the same as for patents. The grant of compulsory licenses for lack of exploitation of a utility model is not provided for. If a utility model cannot be worked without infringing another utility model, a compulsory license under that later utility model to an extent necessary for working the first mentioned utility model may be granted. If a patented invention cannot be worked without infringing a utility model, likewise a compulsory license under the utility model may be granted to an extent necessary for working the patented invention. However, if a utility model cannot be worked without infringing a patent, a compulsory license cannot be granted.

At the request of the Government of Tanzania, the Minister may order that an invention covered by a utility model registration to be exploited, against appropriate compensation, for the needs of the Government.