Negarit Gazcta - 2. No. 25 - lOth May 1995 - Page 227 the right shall be evidenced by a utility model centi­ ficate issued by the Commission. 3. The grant of the certificate shall confer the exclusive right to exploit the minor invention and prevent third parties from exploitating the minor invention without the authorization of the holder of the certificate. 39. Non-existence of Novelty 1. A minor invention shall not be considered new if, at the time of filing the appliootion, it has already been described in printed publications, made available to the public or has aheady been publicly used ill Ethio­ pia. 2. Any description or use, within six months prior to the filing of the application, shall not destroy novelty if it is based on the work of the applicant. 40. Things not Protected by Utility Model Certificate "The following' shan-not be protectea "Dr ulTIrr);-m:oaerceru~ cate: 1. Changes in the shape, proportions or material of a patented object or of one that is public property, except where such a change alters the qualities or functions of the object thereby producing an improve­ ment in its use or rthe effects of its intended func­ tions; 2. The mere replacement of elements in a known combi­ nation by other known elements having an equivalent function, which does not thereby produce an improve­ ment in its use or rthe effect of its intended functions; or 3. Minor inventions that are contrary to public order or morality. 41. Examination The Commission shall undertake a formal examination of the applicatioI;1. and decide to allow or refuse the grant of utility model certificate. 42. Issuance nf Utility Model Certificate Where the Commission decides to grant utility model certificate it shall issue a utility model certificate to the applicant. 43. Convertion of Patent Applications to Applications for Utility Model Certificates and Vice-VerslJI! 1. At any time before the grant or refusal of a patent an applicant for a patent may, upon payment of the pre­ scribed fee, convert his application into an applica­ tion for a utility model certificate, which shall be ac­ corded the filing date of the initial application. 2. At any time before the grant or refusal of a utility model certificate, an applicant for a utility model certificate may, upon payment of the prescribed fee convert his application into a patent application, which shall be accorded the filing date of the initial application.