What is a continuation patent?

A continuation patent is a type of patent that is granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The USPTO grants continuation patents to utility or design patent applicants if the patent meets certain criteria. A continuation patent can help to extend the life of a patent in Kansas and to broaden the scope of coverage of a patent. In general, to be eligible for a continuation patent in Kansas, the new patent must rely upon the same invention as the original patent, the patent must address a different aspect of the invention, and the patent must include at least one improvement or additional element. The USPTO also requires that the continuation patent meet the same criteria of novelty and non-obviousness that are required for all patents. Continuation patents in Kansas allow an inventor to make improvements on a particular invention and to add elements to the original patent in order to cover more territory. For example, a design patent for a shoe may be granted with a continuation patent that covers a new color, material, or shape for the shoe. This type of patent allows the inventor to protect their original invention while also expanding its coverage. A continuation patent essentially allows an inventor to add to their original patent, which helps to extend the patent’s life and to ensure the inventor receives the rightful compensation for their invention for the longest amount of time.

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