What is a Patent?
A patent is a type of intellectual property. It is an invention that is granted as a property right to the inventor. Generally, the term of a new patent is 20 years from the date on which the application for the patent was filed in the United States. There are three types of patents: (1) Utility, covering function; (2) Design, covering ornamental design; and (3) Plant, for a new variety of plant.
Types of Patents
There are three types of patents:
Plant - A new variety of plant (e.g. a tomato)
Design - Appearance / ornamental design
Utility - Function. 90% of patents filed are for utility
Patent Process Overview
- Is your patent patentable? It must be novel, useful, and non-obvious. Look at "Prior art"
- What type of patent do you need?
- Submit your application
- Work with a patent examiner
- Receive approval or rejection (typically within 3 years of filing)
- Maintain your patent (maintenance fees)
