In the United States, there are three main types of patents, a Utility, Design & Plant Patent. All inventions which receive a patent must be new, useful and patentable. Generally, each of the three types of patents provide an inventor the right to exclude others from making and selling the patented invention. Each type of patent is directed to the category of the invention; Utility Patents protect useful inventions, Design Patents protect ornamental designs and Plant Patents protect plants.
For example:
- A Utility Patent protects the right to make, use, sell and import a process, machine, device or chemical composition which is covered by a Utility Patent.
- A Design Patent protects the right to make, use and sell an object containing the ornamental features covered by the Design Patent.
- A Plant Patent protects the breeding rights of a new, asexually reproducing plant covered by the Plant Patent.
If you would like to protect your invention with a patent, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.