What is a utility patent?

A utility patent is a type of patent granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that protects the invention of an applicant. Utility patents are the most commonly issued type of patent in the United States and cover a wide range of inventions from software and business processes to more traditional products and services. The USPTO evaluates utility patents for their “usefulness, novelty, and non-obviousness” before granting a patent. If granted, the patent will protect the invention from being used or sold by anyone else without the patent holder’s permission. In New York, utility patent applicants must meet certain requirements before they can be considered for a patent. For example, the invention must be new and non-obvious and it must also have some kind of usefulness. The application process for a utility patent in New York is quite rigorous, and applicants must provide detailed diagrams and descriptions of their invention before they will be considered. Additionally, applicants should be prepared to pay a filing fee and other associated costs. Utility patents last for 20 years after the date of issue and can be renewed after that time. During the 20-year period, the patent holder has exclusive rights to the invention and can take legal action against anyone who violates these rights. Utility patents are an important asset for inventors in New York, as they can provide them with the assurance that their invention will be protected for a long time.

Related FAQs

How do I challenge a patent?
How do I file a patent application in the US?
What is a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application?
What is the cost of filing a patent?
Does a patent give you exclusive rights?
What is patentability?
What is the process for patenting an invention?
What is the procedure for foreign patent applications?
What is a non-obviousness rejection?
What is a patent assignment?

What is a utility patent?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts