What is a patent?

A patent is a legal right granted by the United States government to an inventor or assignee that provides them exclusive rights to their invention for a limited period, typically twenty years from the filing date of the patent application. This means that the patent holder has the authority to exclude others from making, using, selling, or distributing the patented invention without permission. In exchange for this exclusive right, the inventor must publicly disclose the details of the invention, allowing others to learn from it after the patent expires. Patents can cover a wide range of inventions, including new processes, machines, articles of manufacture, and compositions of matter, as well as improvements to existing inventions. There are three primary types of patents issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office: utility patents, design patents, and plant patents. Each type serves a different purpose and is subject to specific requirements for eligibility and protection. Understanding the patent process and its implications is essential for inventors and businesses seeking to protect their intellectual property. For more detailed information, it may be beneficial to consult the USPTO's current website.