Patent Types

Utility Patent: - Protects what an invention is or does

• Systems

• Machines

• Apparatus

• Composition of Matter

• Processes

• and improvements to the above

• Valid for 20 years from the filing date

Design Patent: - Protect the ornamental design of an item

• Visual Appearance

• Surface ornamentation

• Shape or Configuration

• Valid for 15 years from the date of issue

Plant Patents: - Protect new varieties of plants

• Distinct from other plants

• Asexually reproduced plants such as hybrids, mutants, etc

• Not: tubers, algae, fungi, bacteria

• Valid for 20 years from the filing date