A patent for an invention is the grant of 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:
Utility Patent
- Process - steps for making a new chemical or new business method
- Machine - man-made apparatus with moving parts (engine, camera)
- Article of Manufacture - man-made apparatus without moving parts (carpet)
- Composition of Matter - chemical compositions, mixtures of substances (adhesives)
Design Patent - ornamental appearance of an article of manufacture
Plant Patent - distinct and new variety of asexually propagated plant
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