Patents protect the function of a device or system. Depending on the type of invention that you created, you may consider the various types of patents. For more information and to get started with your patent, contact us.
UTILITY PATENT (typical)
Most people are referring to this type of when they discuss patents. The utility patent may be filed on any new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter, or their new and useful improvements. The test for patentability is whether the concept is novel and not obvious over prior art (products and methods that are already used or known).
PROVISIONAL PATENT
A provisional patent application is a temporary application or a placeholder, which gives an inventor twelve months to pull additional information together or “test the waters” on the concept before filing the utility application. A provisional application is a great way to obtain some protection for the concept before discussing the invention with potential investors or marketing your idea. The term of a provisional application cannot be extended. Once an application is filed, you may use the term “Patent Pending” when writing about the invention.
DESIGN PATENT
If your idea is focused more on the way your concept looks than the way it functions, a design patent may be a better option. Design patents protect the ornamental design or aesthetic look of a product. A great example of using design patents is automobile mirrors. The concept of having a mirror on a car is well known, but there are many new and novel designs that automobile manufacturers wish to protect to prevent knock-off designs.
For more information, contact us.
UTILITY PATENT (typical)
Most people are referring to this type of when they discuss patents. The utility patent may be filed on any new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter, or their new and useful improvements. The test for patentability is whether the concept is novel and not obvious over prior art (products and methods that are already used or known).
PROVISIONAL PATENT
A provisional patent application is a temporary application or a placeholder, which gives an inventor twelve months to pull additional information together or “test the waters” on the concept before filing the utility application. A provisional application is a great way to obtain some protection for the concept before discussing the invention with potential investors or marketing your idea. The term of a provisional application cannot be extended. Once an application is filed, you may use the term “Patent Pending” when writing about the invention.
DESIGN PATENT
If your idea is focused more on the way your concept looks than the way it functions, a design patent may be a better option. Design patents protect the ornamental design or aesthetic look of a product. A great example of using design patents is automobile mirrors. The concept of having a mirror on a car is well known, but there are many new and novel designs that automobile manufacturers wish to protect to prevent knock-off designs.
For more information, contact us.
