Leonardo da Vinci
Basically a patent protects you from someone stealing,
using or profiting from your idea without your permission.
The United States Patent and Trade mark Office defines a patent as:
A property right granted by the Government of the United States of America to an inventor “to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling the invention throughout the United States or importing the invention into the United States” for a limited time in exchange for public disclosure of the invention when the patent is granted." |
There are several different types of patents:
Utility patents may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or compositions of matters, or any new useful improvement thereof. Design patents may be granted to anyone who invents a new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture. Plant patents may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers and asexually reproduces any distinct and new variety of plant. |
Links From The
The United States Patent and Trademark Office
The United States Patent and Trademark Office
- What is a Patent?
- Who can apply for a Patent?
- What can and cannot be patented?
- How do I know if my invention is patentable?
- How long does patent protection last?
- How much does it cost to get a patent?
- What is a PCT application?
- Frequently asked questions about patents
See Also (From the USPTO website)
DesignPatent
Non provisional Patent Application
PlantPatent
ProvisionalPatent Application
ReexaminationProceedings
ReissueApplication,
UtilityPatent
Non provisional Patent Application
PlantPatent
ProvisionalPatent Application
ReexaminationProceedings
ReissueApplication,
UtilityPatent
Or
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