What is patent pending?

Patent pending is a term used in the field of patent law. It is when an inventor has filed a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). When an inventor has gone through the arduous process of filing a patent application, the USPTO will review the application and determine if it meets all the criteria required for the patent to be granted. If the application does meet the criteria, then the patent office will issue a patent to the inventor. In North Dakota, the patent office will also provide the inventor with a “patent pending” status - meaning that the patent has not yet been granted, but there is an active application under review. This status is helpful to inventors because it flags the technology or product as unique and protected - since it is a public record of the application. Additionally, this “patent pending” status can be used to provide a legal defense against someone who attempts to steal the invention or duplicate it without permission. Overall, patent pending is an important term in the field of patent law. When an inventor has submitted an application to the USPTO, this status alerts potential competitors, investors, and other interested parties that the technology or product is unique and protected - and that it is being reviewed for patent eligibility.

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