What types of patents are available?

The United States Patent and Trademark Office offers three primary types of patents: utility patents, design patents, and plant patents. Utility patents are the most common and cover new and useful inventions or discoveries of any process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter. These patents typically last for twenty years from the filing date and require a demonstration of the invention's functionality and usefulness. Design patents protect the unique ornamental design of a functional item. This type of patent is granted for a term of fifteen years from the date of grant for design applications filed on or after May 13, 2015. It does not cover the functional aspects of the item but rather its aesthetic features. Plant patents are issued for new and distinct varieties of plants that have been asexually reproduced. These patents also last for a duration of twenty years from the filing date. To qualify for this type of patent, the plant must meet specific criteria defined by the patent office. For more detailed information, individuals may wish to consult the USPTO website, which provides resources regarding the types and requirements of patents.