Patent Law

Patents provide protection for new discoveries and inventions that are useful, novel, or non-obvious. There are three types of patents available for inventions and discoveries: design patents, utility patents, and plant patents. In order to receive patent protection, the patent seeker is required to file an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). When a person receives patent protection, he or she has the exclusive right to prevent other people from making, selling, or using his or her invention or discovery.

Utility Patent Law

Utility patents are the most common type of patent. Utility patents are available for useful and new processes, manufactures (goods), compositions of matter (chemical compositions), and machines. Utility patents can also protect new and useful improvements on existing processes or machines. Two types of applications are available for utility patents: provisional and non-provisional applications.

A provisional patent application is filed if the applicant would like more time to decide if he or she really wants patent protection and so he or she can determine the specifics of the invention. A provisional patent application is temporary but provides protection while the patent-seeker is figuring out the details of his or her invention. A non-provisional utility patent application is the official application one must file for patent protection.

Design Patent Law

Design patents protect the “surface ornamentation” of an object, or the shape or configuration of an object. A person who invents a new and non-obvious ornamental design on an object can file a design patent application. Although the design and object are inseparable, a design patent only protects the appearance of the object. To protect the structural or functional features of an object, a person must also file a utility patent application (as long as the object qualifies for such protection).

Plant Patent Law

A plant patent can be filed if a person discovers or invents a new and distinct plant. In order to receive a plant patent, the applicant must reproduce the new and distinct plant asexually. Asexual reproduction means that it the plant is reproduced by cutting or grafting the plant, instead of being reproduced by seeds. A plant patent provides the inventor with the exclusive right to use, sell, or asexually reproduce the same plant.

Patents are a very technical area of law that can often be complicated for people to understand. Each type of patent application must include very specific information and failure to include all of the necessary elements of a patent application can result in a denial of your application. Not following all of the requirements set forth by the USPTO can also result in your patent not receiving full protection under the patent laws of the U.S. If you have questions about your invention or discovery, or would like help filing a patent application, it’s a good idea to contact an intellectual property lawyer near you.

Utah Lawyer Free Consultation

If you are here, you may need help from an intellectual property lawyer. If so, call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.

Michael Anderson

People who want a lot of Bull go to a Butcher. People who want results navigating a complex legal field go to a Lawyer that they can trust. That’s where I come in. I am Michael Anderson, an Attorney in the Salt Lake area focusing on the needs of the Average Joe wanting a better life for him and his family. I’m the Lawyer you can trust. I grew up in Utah and love it here. I am a Father to three, a Husband to one, and an Entrepreneur. I understand the feelings of joy each of those roles bring, and I understand the feeling of disappointment, fear, and regret when things go wrong. I attended the University of Utah where I received a B.A. degree in 2010 and a J.D. in 2014. I have focused my practice in Wills, Trusts, Real Estate, and Business Law. I love the thrill of helping clients secure their future, leaving a real legacy to their children. Unfortunately when problems arise with families. I also practice Family Law, with a focus on keeping relationships between the soon to be Ex’s civil for the benefit of their children and allowing both to walk away quickly with their heads held high. Before you worry too much about losing everything that you have worked for, before you permit yourself to be bullied by your soon to be ex, before you shed one more tear in silence, call me. I’m the Lawyer you can trust.

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