Invention Protection Associates - We Protect So You Can Profit

The Intellectual Property Law Firm of
Invention Protection Associates sm

Patents

What is a patent?
A patent is a federal property right that provides to its owner exclusive abilities to make, use and sell an invention. A patent
owner enjoys a legal monopoly over the patented invention for a multi-year term. As a patent owner, you may:

sue others that make, use or sell your invention without your permission;

license your invention to an established company in exchange for royalties; or

sell your patent to someone else

In fact, obtaining a patent can be even more important than trying to sell an invention. Many inventors avoid investing the
time and money necessary to bring their inventions to market by simply getting their inventions patented and then allowing
deeper pocketed companies to purchase or license their patents.

Utility Patent - A utility patent may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers any new and useful machine,
process, article of manufacture or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof. As examples, a utility
patent may be issued for a fishing lure, an exercise machine, a method for distributing digital music files, a cleaning solution,
etc. A utility patent lasts 20 years from the date on which it was filed for.

CLICK HERE for an example of a utility patent that was obtained by IPA

Design Patent - A design patent may be granted to anyone who invents a new and ornamental design for an article
of manufacture. As examples, a design patent may be issued for a unique surface pattern on a scarf, the shape of a wedding
ring band, etc. The design patent protects the appearance of an invention, rather than its function. A design patent lasts 14
years from date on which it is granted.

CLICK HERE for an example of a design patent that was obtained by IPA

NOTE: No attorney-client relationship is formed by the presentation or viewing of this web site. This web site provides information for educational purposes only
and is not to be relied upon in lieu of consulting legal counsel. You should consult with an attorney, as proper legal advice is dependent upon particular needs and
circumstances. Also, laws affecting information published on this web site are subject to change.