What is the difference between an issued patent and a published patent?

The difference between an issued patent and a published patent in South Carolina is an important one to understand. An issued patent is a legal document granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that gives the inventor exclusive rights to a new, useful invention. It prevents other people from making, using, or selling the invention without the inventor’s permission. An issued patent is only granted after the inventor files a patent application and it is reviewed by the USPTO. A published patent is a patent that has been made publically available after the patent has been granted. This is done by the USPTO publishing the patent on its website or in a print journal. Published patents are made available to the public so people can become aware of innovations and inventions that have been granted a patent. This also allows people to be aware of what intellectual property has been patented and what has not. In summary, an issued patent is the official document granted by the USPTO that gives the inventor exclusive rights to their invention. Whereas, a published patent is a patent that has been made publicly available after the patent has been granted by the USPTO. Understanding the difference between the two is important for inventors and those wanting to use new or existing inventions in South Carolina.

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