Different Kinds Of Patents

Patents

Patent is essentially a legal recognition of an invention by the state that safeguards the rights of the creator in his creation and prevents others from unlawfully using the patented product or its manufacturing method for a specified period. It permits the inventor to prosecute any infringer for violating his exclusive rights over the usage of the invention as acknowledged by the state.

Patents are classified into three main categories. These categories are design patents, utility patents and plant patents.

Design patents are awarded for protecting the way a product looks and its structure. Hence, it safeguards the shape, configuration and even adornments of the product. This patent is often used by companies that are engaged in enhancing the current products instead of coming up with new products entirely.

A utility patent on the other hand, protects any new and useful process, product, composition or a significant change in a product. It basically protects the way a product is or the manner in which it works. Utility patent is more common than other types of patents and it can either be taken separately or along with a design patent.

The third major type of patent relates to the protection given for invention of an asexually produced distinct variety of a plant that is new and unknown in the field. It provides the inventor with a safeguard against malicious persons, who might try to produce or sell a part of the plant or the entire plant.

However, there is yet another category of patents, which is known as a provisional patent that safeguards the inventor’s right over his invention temporarily, especially if the inventor does not have the requisite time or resources to file a detailed application yet. In such cases, you are permitted to file a more detailed patent application when you are ready to, though it does not allow you to differ from the claims you had made in the provisional patent. Such a patent is useful when you have nearly completed the development of your invention, but are not yet ready to file a formal patent.