What is a patent?

A patent is a form of intellectual property that gives an inventor the legal right to exclude others from making, using, or selling their invention for a specified period of time. Generally, a patent grants the inventor exclusive rights to the invention’s design. In the state of New York, a patent is a property right granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). To obtain a patent, the invention must be novel, useful, and non-obvious to anyone with ordinary skill in the same field. After an application is submitted, the USPTO reviews it to ensure that all requirements are met. If the patent is granted, the inventor has exclusive rights to the invention for a period of up to 20 years. The rights granted by a patent give the inventor the ability to take legal action against anyone who infringes on their rights. If a patent violation is found, the court may order the infringer to stop all infringing activities and pay damages to the inventor. Patent law is an incredibly complex field, and if you are considering applying for a patent, it is best to seek legal advice from a qualified lawyer.

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What is a patent?

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