The United States has the oldest existing patenting system in the world. Since its inception, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has enjoyed a steady increase in the number of patent applicants both from domestic and foreign inventors. To date, the USPTO has issued over 7,000,000 patents spanning a vast number of different technologies.

Patents are key elements of an intellectual property portfolio. Patents confer the right to stop an unauthorized person from making commercial use of an invention. In other words, a patent gives the inventor exclusive rights in the invention for a period of time, so that he or she can profit from the invention before the right to exploit it is available to the general public. A patent must be applied for from the federal government, and will only be granted if the invention is novel, unobvious, and useful. Patents can be granted for plants and other life forms, designs of manufactured products, machines, processes, and combinations of matter. There are four types of patent applications – provisional, utility, plant, and design applications.

For more information about patents, see our post: What are the basics of patent law?

Klemchuk PLLC is a leading IP law firm based in Dallas, Texas, focusing on litigation, anti-counterfeiting, trademarks, patents, and business law. Our experienced attorneys assist clients in safeguarding innovation and expanding market share through strategic investments in intellectual property.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on specific legal matters under federal, state, or local laws, please consult with our IP Lawyers.

What are the Basics of Patent Law?

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