What is the difference between a product and a process patent?

A product patent and a process patent are two different types of intellectual property protection. A product patent applies to a physical or tangible invention. This could include items such as a computer, phone, car, or any other invention that can be held, touched, or used. A product patent gives the inventor the exclusive right to make, sell, and use the product. A process patent applies to a method or procedure for producing something. For example, a process patent could cover a new way of manufacturing a product or a particular technique used in a business. Process patents allow the inventor to prevent others from using their invention without permission. The main difference between a product and a process patent is that a product patent protects the actual object, while a process patent protects the technique used to make the object. Product patents are easier to obtain than process patents because the inventor must provide evidence that the product is novel and useful. Process patents are more complicated and must show that the process is both novel and useful. Process patents can also be more difficult to enforce because it must be proven that someone else is performing the patented process.

Related FAQs

What is a patent claim?
What is the difference between a patent and a non-patent literature search?
How do I file a patent in other countries?
What is a prior art reference?
What is an appeal brief?
How do I apply for a patent?
What is the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)?
Can I patent a business method?
What is an inventor's declaration?
What is a PCT application?

What is the difference between a product and a process patent?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts