What is a patent?

A patent is a legal protection granted by the US Patent and Trade Office (USPTO) to inventors for their new and original inventions. It gives inventors exclusive rights to their inventions, preventing others from making, using, selling, or importing the patented invention without permission. Patents encourage innovation by providing inventors with a limited monopoly for a specific period, typically 20 years from the filing date. To obtain a patent, an inventor must file a detailed application describing the invention's specifications, including its design and function. The USPTO examines applications to ensure that the invention meets the necessary requirements for patentability. Once granted, a patent allows inventors to profit from their invention and protect their investment in research and development.