{"id":728,"date":"2022-01-25T21:35:11","date_gmt":"2022-01-25T21:35:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/?page_id=728"},"modified":"2022-01-25T21:56:13","modified_gmt":"2022-01-25T21:56:13","slug":"what-is-a-patent","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/resources\/general-intellectual-property-principles\/what-is-a-patent\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Patent?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/img_18-1024x46.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-496\" width=\"1138\" height=\"51\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/img_18-1024x46.png 1024w, https:\/\/inventedly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/img_18-300x14.png 300w, https:\/\/inventedly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/img_18-768x35.png 768w, https:\/\/inventedly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/img_18.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1138px) 100vw, 1138px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"aioseo-breadcrumbs\"><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb\">\n\t\t\tHome\n\t\t<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-color wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#0461ce\">What is a Patent? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#0461ce;color:#0461ce\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">Patents relate to bestowing exclusive rights to the creation of an invention.&nbsp; Specifically, a patent grants a \u201cright to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling the invention throughout the United States or importing the invention into the United States\u201d for a limited duration.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_1');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_1');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_1\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[1]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_1\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">35 U.S.C. \u00a7 154<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_1').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_1', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Three types of patents exist: utility patents, design patents, and plant patents.&nbsp; A utility patent \u201cprotects the way an article is used and works.\u201d<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_2');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_2');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_2\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[2]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_2\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">35 U.S.C. \u00a7 101<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_2').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_2', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script> &nbsp;&nbsp;A design patent \u201cprotects the way an article looks.\u201d<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_3');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_3');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_3\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[3]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_3\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">35 U.S.C. \u00a7 171<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_3').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_3', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script> &nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, a plant patent relates to \u201cdiscover[ing] and asexually reproduce[ing] any distinct and new variety of plant.\u201d<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_4');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_4');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_4\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[4]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_4\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">35 U.S.C. \u00a7 161<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_4').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_4', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script> &nbsp;&nbsp;Each of these types of patents will be briefly discussed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Utility Patent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Patent protection may be granted for a utility patent where the invention is new, useful, and nonobvious.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_5');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_5');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_5\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[5]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_5\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">35 U.S.C. \u00a7 101<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_5').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_5', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script> &nbsp;&nbsp;It makes logical sense that the invention must be new, for what benefit would be conferred on recreating that which has already been done?&nbsp; An invention is generally useful if it is capable of use or benefit.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_6');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_6');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_6\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[6]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_6\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">Useful is generally construed in a broad way.&nbsp; If the invention has some potential use, then it may be considered sufficient for this requirement.<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_6').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_6', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script> &nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, the idea behind a requirement of nonobviousness (inventive step in Europe) is that normal routine research or effort should not be sufficient to get a patent.&nbsp; Because a patent will grant a temporary monopoly, the requirement that the invention be more than mere routine would make sense \u2013 the incentive is a temporary monopoly in exchange for something that is greater than simply a product of a normal or routine system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A utility patent lasts for twenty years from the first date of priority.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_7');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_7');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_7\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[7]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_7\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">See, e.g., 35 US.C. \u00a7 120 (benefit of an early filing date).<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_7').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_7', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script> &nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, the United States in March 2013 adopted a \u201cfirst-to-file\u201d patent system<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_8');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_8');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_8\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[8]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_8\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">See, e.g., the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act.<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_8').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_8', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script> , consistent with a majority of international countries\u2019 patent systems.&nbsp; The change to a \u201cfirst-to-file\u201d system means that greater emphasis is now on the date that the patent application is filed.&nbsp; Prior to March 2013, the focus was on a \u201cfirst-to-invent.\u201d&nbsp; An inventor could show he was the true inventor by producing documents showing the date of actual invention.&nbsp; With a \u201cfirst-to-file\u201d system, however, the first inventor<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_9');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_9');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_9\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[9]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_9\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">In order to file for a patent under the \u201cfirst-to-file\u201d system, it is important to remember that one must still be the \u201cinventor\u201d in order to be eligible to file for a patent under the&nbsp;&#x2026; <span class=\"footnote_tooltip_continue\"  onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_9');\">Continue reading<\/span><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_9').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_9', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script> &nbsp;to file with the patent office gets the benefit of potentially receiving a patent.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Utility patent applications come in two flavors: provisional and non-provisional. In general, a provisional application requires a specification (e.g. a description of the invention, etc.), a drawing if it is necessary to the understanding of the invention, and a fee.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_10');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_10');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_10\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[10]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_10\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">See, e.g., 35 U.S.C. \u00a7 111.<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_10').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_10', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script> &nbsp;&nbsp;Many times, an inventor will provide a conference paper, a scientific publication, or in-house research material as the basis for a provisional application specification.&nbsp; Additionally, although not a requirement, a patent attorney will oftentimes insert at least one claim relating to the invention.&nbsp; A provisional will only last for one year.&nbsp; By that time, a non-provisional patent must be filed in order to preserve patent protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A provisional patent application is only as good as the content that it contains.&nbsp; In essence, the provisional application stands as a book holder to whatever is disclosed.&nbsp; So if the \u2018real\u2019 invention is disclosed later in the non-provisional application, the provisional will not be of any benefit.&nbsp; Priority to a provisional application is only conferred when that which is granted in the actual patent was originally disclosed in the provisional application.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A non-provisional patent application requires a specification, one or more claims, drawings when necessary, an oath or declaration, and a fee.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_11');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_11');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_11\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[11]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_11\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">Id.<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_11').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_11', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script> &nbsp;It should also be noted that with both the provisional and non-provisional applications, specific page and application formats must be observed in order for it to be accepted by the patent office.&nbsp; As indicated above, a provisional application will act as a book holder in establishing priority of when the inventor filed for patent protection.&nbsp; Unlike a provisional application, a non-provisional application will actually start the patent review process.&nbsp; Again, although it may be obvious, a provisional and non-provisional application do not grant the inventor the full rights of a patent until an actual patent is issued.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_12');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_12');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_12\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[12]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_12\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">The American Inventor Protection Act of 1999 Section 154(d) introduced \u201cProvisional Rights\u201d which may begin on the date of publication of the application.&nbsp; Such provisional rights relate&nbsp;&#x2026; <span class=\"footnote_tooltip_continue\"  onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_12');\">Continue reading<\/span><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_12').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_12', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once a patent issues, maintenance fees must be paid in order to keep the patent active (i.e. of protection and\/or force, etc.):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>IN GENERAL \u2014 The Director shall charge the following fees for maintaining in force all patents based on applications filed on or after December 12, 1980:<ul><li>Three years and 6 months after grant, $980.<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Seven years and 6 months after grant, $2,480.<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Eleven years and 6 months after grant, $4,110.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_13');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_13');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_13\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[13]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_13\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">35 U.S.C. \u00a7 41(b) <\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_13').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_13', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Design Patent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A design patent covers the ornamental features of an invention.&nbsp; Like a utility patent, it must also be novel and non-obvious. Generally, an ornamental feature includes a feature lacking any practical utility (i.e. the sole purpose of the feature is aesthetic, etc.).&nbsp; Design patents are valid for 14 years from the issue date and do not have any maintenance fees.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_14');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_14');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_14\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[14]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_14\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">35 U.S.C. \u00a7 171<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_14').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_14', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script> &nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, they are relatively easy and inexpensive to get, but can be a powerful source of protection.&nbsp; For example, design patents have given Apple Computers considerable power in safeguarding its products from knock-off imitations.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_15');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_15');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_15\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[15]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_15\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">See, e.g., Jim Davis, \u201cApple wins round in iMac knockoff suit,\u201d September 20, 1999, available at http:\/\/news.cnet.com\/Apple-wins-round-in-iMac-knockoff-suit\/2100-1001_3-232617.html; see also U.S.&nbsp;&#x2026; <span class=\"footnote_tooltip_continue\"  onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_15');\">Continue reading<\/span><\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_15').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_15', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script> &nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, another common example may include the iconic Coke bottle<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_16');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_16');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_16\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[16]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_16\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">U.S. Patent No. D48,160. <\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_16').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_16', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script> &nbsp;which received design patent protection in 1915.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"53\" height=\"135\" class=\"wp-image-729\" style=\"width: 53px;\" src=\"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/coke-bottle.png\" alt=\"\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plant Patent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Plant patents relate only to asexual plants (i.e. the ability to reproduce exact replicas of the plant).\u00a0 Like a utility patent application, plant patents have both provisional and non-provisional applications, and the requirements are almost the same as the utility patent application.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_17');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_17');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_17\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[17]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_17\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">See, e.g., 37 C.F.R. 1.163 (indicates that a plant patent application requires a drawing) <\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_17').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_17', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script> \u00a0\u00a0To be eligible to file a patent application, inventorship must be satisfied, which include:\u00a0 1) discovery or selection of a new and distinct plant; and 2) the plant is asexually reproduced.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_18');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_18');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_18\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[18]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_18\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">Id.<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_18').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_18', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script> \u00a0\u00a0Beyond the requirements, plant patents are known for their beautiful full color images and drawings.\u00a0 The plant patent lasts for 20 years from the issue date and also gives the owner the same exclusive right as a utility patent. <span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_19');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_19');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_19\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[19]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_19\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">35 U.S.C. \u00a7 161<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_19').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_19', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plant patent protection is largely credited to the work of Luther A. Burbank, a renowned botanist and horticulturist. He was known to have developed 800 strains of plants, including fruits, flowers, grains, grasses, and vegetables.&nbsp; His work spurred the passing of the 1930 Plant Patent Act, four years after his death.&nbsp; Interestingly, sixteen plant patents were issued to Burbank even after his death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An example of a peach tree plant patent is shown below.<span class=\"footnote_referrer\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_20');\" onkeypress=\"footnote_moveToReference_728_1('footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_20');\" ><sup id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_20\" class=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text\">[20]<\/sup><\/a><span id=\"footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_20\" class=\"footnote_tooltip\">U.S. Plant Patent 621.&nbsp; This is an example of a plant patent.&nbsp; The original plant patent would have been in color.&nbsp; It has been replicated here in black and white.<\/span><\/span><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_20').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_728_1_20', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });<\/script> &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"492\" class=\"wp-image-730\" style=\"width: 300px;\" src=\"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/peach.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/peach.png 237w, https:\/\/inventedly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/peach-183x300.png 183w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"speaker-mute footnotes_reference_container\"> <div class=\"footnote_container_prepare\"><p><span role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_reference_container_label pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_expand_collapse_reference_container_728_1();\">References<\/span><span role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_reference_container_collapse_button\" style=\"display: none;\" onclick=\"footnote_expand_collapse_reference_container_728_1();\">[<a id=\"footnote_reference_container_collapse_button_728_1\">+<\/a>]<\/span><\/p><\/div> <div id=\"footnote_references_container_728_1\" style=\"\"><table class=\"footnotes_table footnote-reference-container\"><caption class=\"accessibility\">References<\/caption> <tbody> \r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_1\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_728_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_1');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>1<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">35 U.S.C. \u00a7 154<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_2\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_728_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_2');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>2<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">35 U.S.C. \u00a7 101<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_3\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_728_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_3');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>3<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">35 U.S.C. \u00a7 171<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_4\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_728_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_4');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>4<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">35 U.S.C. \u00a7 161<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_5\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_728_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_5');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>5<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">35 U.S.C. \u00a7 101<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_6\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_728_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_6');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>6<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">Useful is generally construed in a broad way.&nbsp; If the invention has some potential use, then it may be considered sufficient for this requirement.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_7\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_728_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_7');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>7<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">See, e.g., 35 US.C. \u00a7 120 (benefit of an early filing date).<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_8\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_728_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_8');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>8<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">See, e.g., the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_9\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_728_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_9');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>9<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">In order to file for a patent under the \u201cfirst-to-file\u201d system, it is important to remember that one must still be the \u201cinventor\u201d in order to be eligible to file for a patent under the \u201cfirst-to-file\u201d system.&nbsp; Simply seeing an invention and then rushing to the patent office to file before the actual inventor does not grant one protection. The filer must also be the inventor.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_10\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_728_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_10');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>10<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">See, e.g., 35 U.S.C. \u00a7 111.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_11\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_728_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_11');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>11<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">Id.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_12\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_728_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_12');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>12<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\"> The American Inventor Protection Act of 1999 Section 154(d) introduced \u201cProvisional Rights\u201d which may begin on the date of publication of the application.&nbsp; Such provisional rights relate generally to the right to receive a reasonable royalty during the period the patent undergoes patent review. <\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_13\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_728_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_13');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>13<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">35 U.S.C. \u00a7 41(b) <\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_14\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_728_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_14');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>14<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">35 U.S.C. \u00a7 171<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_15\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_728_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_15');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>15<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">See, e.g., Jim Davis, \u201cApple wins round in iMac knockoff suit,\u201d September 20, 1999, available at <span class=\"footnote_url_wrap\">http:\/\/news.cnet.com\/Apple-wins-round-in-iMac-knockoff-suit\/2100-1001_3-232617.html;<\/span> see also U.S. Pat. No. D580,387 (iPhone design), U.S. Pat. No. D504,889 (iPad design), U.S. Pat. No. D478,310 (power adapter).<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_16\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_728_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_16');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>16<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">U.S. Patent No. D48,160. <\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_17\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_728_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_17');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>17<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">See, e.g., 37 C.F.R. 1.163 (indicates that a plant patent application requires a drawing) <\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_18\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_728_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_18');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>18<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">Id.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_19\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_728_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_19');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>19<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">35 U.S.C. \u00a7 161<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n<tr class=\"footnotes_plugin_reference_row\"> <th scope=\"row\" id=\"footnote_plugin_reference_728_1_20\" class=\"footnote_plugin_index pointer\" onclick=\"footnote_moveToAnchor_728_1('footnote_plugin_tooltip_728_1_20');\"><a role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"footnote_plugin_link\" ><span class=\"footnote_index_arrow\">&#8593;<\/span>20<\/a><\/th> <td class=\"footnote_plugin_text\">U.S. Plant Patent 621.&nbsp; This is an example of a plant patent.&nbsp; The original plant patent would have been in color.&nbsp; It has been replicated here in black and white.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n\r\n <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> function footnote_expand_reference_container_728_1() { jQuery('#footnote_references_container_728_1').show(); jQuery('#footnote_reference_container_collapse_button_728_1').text('\u2212'); } function footnote_collapse_reference_container_728_1() { jQuery('#footnote_references_container_728_1').hide(); jQuery('#footnote_reference_container_collapse_button_728_1').text('+'); } function footnote_expand_collapse_reference_container_728_1() { if (jQuery('#footnote_references_container_728_1').is(':hidden')) { footnote_expand_reference_container_728_1(); } else { footnote_collapse_reference_container_728_1(); } } function footnote_moveToReference_728_1(p_str_TargetID) { footnote_expand_reference_container_728_1(); var l_obj_Target = jQuery('#' + p_str_TargetID); if (l_obj_Target.length) { jQuery( 'html, body' ).delay( 0 ); jQuery('html, body').animate({ scrollTop: l_obj_Target.offset().top - window.innerHeight * 0.2 }, 380); } } function footnote_moveToAnchor_728_1(p_str_TargetID) { footnote_expand_reference_container_728_1(); var l_obj_Target = jQuery('#' + p_str_TargetID); if (l_obj_Target.length) { jQuery( 'html, body' ).delay( 0 ); jQuery('html, body').animate({ scrollTop: l_obj_Target.offset().top - window.innerHeight * 0.2 }, 380); } }<\/script>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is a Patent? Patents relate to bestowing exclusive rights to the creation of an invention.&nbsp; Specifically, a patent grants a \u201cright to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling the invention throughout the United States or importing the invention into the United States\u201d for a limited duration.[1]35 U.S.C. \u00a7 154 Three [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":510,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-728","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/728","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=728"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/728\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":762,"href":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/728\/revisions\/762"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/510"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/inventedly.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=728"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}