What is patent law?

Patent law deals with the protection of intellectual property rights. In South Carolina, patent law grants creators of inventions exclusive rights to their inventions, meaning they have the sole right to manufacture, use, and sell the invention. Patents usually last for a period of 20 years, during which time the creator has full control over the invention. Patents can be obtained for a variety of inventions, including utility patents (applied to new and useful processes, machines, articles of manufacture, and compositions of matter) and design patents (which protect the aesthetic features of an invention). The inventor must demonstrate that the invention is new, non-obvious, and useful in order to be granted a patent. Patent law also allows for the protection of trademarks and copyrights. Trademarks are used to protect logos, slogans, or other symbols associated with businesses from being used by others. Copyrights are used to protect creative works, such as music, writing, and art, from being reproduced without permission. Patent law is an important element of protecting intellectual property in South Carolina. It helps ensure that creators of inventions and other intellectual property can reap the rewards of their creative work and are protected from having it stolen or copied without permission.

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