March 7th, 2008
Brief Overview Of U.s. Patents
There are three different types of patents:
1. Utility Patent – a structure or apparatus that is new and useful (has “utility”). This type of patent covers function and can include machinery and medicine, and the patent protection lasts for 20 years.
2. Plant Patent – a newly discovered asexually reproduced new variety of plant. For example, a new type of rose can be patented, and the patent protection lasts for 20 years.
3. Design Patent – a new, original, ornamental design for a manufactured item. This patent covers the way an item looks, and the patent protection lasts for 14 years.