Patents
A patent is a property right granted by the government allowing a patent owner the right to prevent others from making, using, selling, or importing the invention covered by the patent. If somebody wants to make, use or sell the invention covered by the patent, they must obtain a license from the owner or buy the patent from the owner. There are four types of documents you should be aware of when patenting an idea: There are three types of patents issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office:
The protection given by a design patent is based almost entirely from the drawings, not the words. An example of an object protected by a design patent is a decorative chandelier. Filing a design patent application gives you patent pending status. A Utility Patent protects any useful, novel, and non-obvious:
Filing a utility patent application gives you patent pending status. A Provisional Patent Application (PPA) is NOT A PATENT but actually gives a 12 month extension It allows you the time to raise funds, sell your idea or just disclose it to anyone without fear of your idea being taken. A PPA filed with the Patent Office must be converted into a utility patent application within one year after it is filed otherwise all the benefits associated with the PPA are lost, including the filing date. Filing a PPA gives you PATENT PENDING STATUS The Patent Office allows inventors to file a disclosure document describing their invention. The disclosure document only provides a means of establishing a date of conception in the event of a dispute with another inventor filing for patent protection. It is similar to sending yourself a certified letter containing your invention disclosure. However IT IS NOT A PATENT APPLICATON |
