United States Patent Law
United States Patent Law grants inventors the exclusive right to make, use, and sell their inventions for a limited time, typically 20 years from the filing date. To obtain a patent, an invention must be new, useful, and non-obvious. The legal protection encourages innovation by allowing inventors to profit from their creations. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) reviews applications, and once granted, patents can be enforced in court against unauthorized use. However, patents eventually expire, allowing others to build upon the invention.
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United States patent law grants inventors exclusive rights to their inventions, preventing others from making, using, or selling them without permission. This protection typically lasts 20 years from the filing date. To be patentable, an invention must be new, useful, and non-obvious. The main types of patents are utility patents (for processes or products), design patents (for ornamental designs), and plant patents (for new plant varieties). To obtain a patent, inventors must file an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which examines the invention's eligibility and uniqueness before granting the patent.