WHAT IS A PATENT?
A patent is a legal right that a national government grants to an inventor to protect their invention for a set period of time. A U.S. patent gives you, the inventor, the right to prevent others from making, using, selling, or importing the invention without your permission. What is granted is not the right to make, use, offer for sale, sell or import the invention, but the right to stop others from doing so. If someone infringes on your patent, you may initiate legal action. U.S. patents are effective only within the U.S. and its territories and possessions.
In exchange for the exclusive rights, the inventor gives the U.S. Government permission to publish details about the invention, such as how it works and what it’s used for.
There are three types of patents that the U.S. Government issues:
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Utility patents – for inventing a new or improved and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter.
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Design patents – for inventing a new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture.
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Plant patents – for inventing or discovering and asexually reproducing any distinct and new variety of plant.