What is a Patent?

A Patent is a United States Government granted right that allows you to exclude all others from making your invention in the U.S., and/or from using it in the U.S., and/or from offering it for sale and/or selling it in the U.S., and/or from importing it into the U.S.  Thus, your protection in the United States is absolute.  For a Utility Patent, the right is for 20 years from the date of filing.  For a Design Patent, the right is for 14 years from the date of issuance of the Patent.

For more information on intellectual property, please visit Patent, Trademark, Copyright Information.

The content of this article is not intended to be, and does not constitute, legal advice and does not create attorney-client privilege. Consult the attorney of your choice before embarking on any legal matter or any document preparation/filing.

Dr. Thomas R. (Terry) Williamson III is a Patent Attorney practicing in Atlanta, Georgia.

C2008, Williamson Intellectual Property Law, LLC; all rights reserved, world-wide.