Andy / Reiner
I would caution a little about relying upon Global Patent Sources.
Firstly, it isn't global - it only covers the countries which Derwent
includes, as Andy points out. Hence Greece, which has utility models,
is not even mentioned. Secondly, it doesn't always recognise and refer
to "utility models" when they are in fact available - for example there
are short-term patents available in Ireland, petty patents in Australia,
short-term patents in the Netherlands.. Some would regard these as
falling under the same class of IP right as Gebrauchsmuster in Germany
and Austria, but they are not always given a recognised separate
publication series as the latter are. If you are asking the question
from an attorney point of view, I would still tend to rely upon the
standard directories of IP right.
Incidentally, if you refer to the WIPO form PCT/RO/101, which is the
application form under the PCT system, it has a set of explanatory notes
at the end. On page 3 of these notes, under the heading "Choice of
certain kinds of treatment or protection", it lists those countries
which allow a request for a national IP right other than a patent, under
the PCT. This might be a useful reference point.
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