Types of Patents
If you design a new product or develop a new invention, you can file for a U.S. patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. A patent gives you the legal right to prevent others from creating or selling a similar or identical product to yours. There are three main types of patents available, which apply to different types of inventions.
Different Patent Applications
Depending on the type of product or invention you have created, you are required to file for a different type of patent. The three types of patents include:
- Design patents: For original and ornamental designs of a product, which may or may not affect functionality
- Utility patents: For the invention of or improvements to useful articles, machines, or processes
- Plant patents: For the successful invention of or discovery and reproduction of a new, distinct type of plant
If an invention is unique both in its design and its utility, you may apply for both of these patents separately.
In order to secure a patent, you are required to submit an official application and several supporting documents. If your request is rejected, you may need to revise your application. A qualified business lawyer can help you with the process of applying for a patent or taking action against others who infringe upon your patented product.
Contact Us
To learn more about the patent application process or the legal protections patents afford to inventors, contact the Texas patent professionals at Texas Legal Entities
by calling 512-472-2431.
At any time, please feel free to ask us a question. It's FREE!