What is a utility patent?

A utility patent is a type of patent granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in Kansas and other states. It grants the patent holder the exclusive right to make, use, or sell a new invention, and also protects the inventor from any unauthorized use or duplication. Utility patents are granted for any process, machine, composition of matter, or design that is new, useful, and non-obvious. The most common type of utility patent is a “utility model” which is similar to a full patent, but with a shorter duration and more limited protection. A utility model grants the inventor exclusive rights to their invention for up to ten years. After this period, anyone is free to use the invention without infringing on the patent. The USPTO also grants design patents which are similar to utility patents but cover the look and aesthetic appearance of an invention rather than its usefulness. Design patents last for fourteen years and protect the shape, design, and decorative features of the invention. Utility patents are an important tool for inventors and businesses in protecting their inventions from being copied or used without permission. By granting exclusive rights to the inventors, utility patents reward inventors for their work and encourage innovation.

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