The protection period for a utility model is counted from the filing date with payment of the filing fee.

• A. Seven Years from the Filing Date with Payment of the Filing Fee
• B. Five Years and Renewable for Two Consecutive 5-Year Periods
• C. Fifteen Years from the Filing Date
• D. Seven Years from the Grant Date

Answer: (A)

Utility model protection is a short, fixed-term right that begins when the filing is made and the filing fee is paid. The clock runs for seven years from the filing date, and there is no renewal to extend that period. This reflects the purpose of utility models: provide quick, provisional protection for simpler innovations without the longer horizons of patents. The grant date is not used as the starting point for the term, and terms requiring renewals or longer durations do not apply to this type of protection.