What is the difference between a patent and a patent application?

A patent and a patent application are two separate components of a patent system in South Carolina. A patent is an exclusive right granted by the government for a period of time to an inventor or other person designated by the inventor. It allows the holder of the patent to exclude others from producing, using, or selling the invention in South Carolina. Patents provide the inventor with protection for their invention from being copied or used without permission. Patents typically last for 20 years and can be renewed in some circumstances. A patent application is a legal document filed with the government that contains detailed information about the invention. It includes a description of the invention, any drawings, diagrams, or other evidence, the purpose of the invention, and its potential uses. The patent application is an important step in the patent process because it shows the government that the inventor has an invention that is unique and has potential for practical use. By submitting a patent application, the inventor is giving the government the opportunity to review and approve the invention before it is patented. If the patent application is approved, the inventor is issued a patent and is granted exclusive rights to their invention. If the application is denied, the invention is not eligible to receive a patent. Once the patent is issued, the inventor has the right to use or sell their invention in South Carolina and to prevent anyone else from using or copying it.

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