An intellectual property right granted by U.S. Govt. for the exclusive right to exclude others from profiting from its manufacture for a limited time in exchange for public disclosure of the invention
Utility patent: A new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof. 20 years of protection from filing date
Design patent: A new and original ornamental design for an article. 14 years of protection from the date of issue.
Plant patent: New and distinct asexually-reproduced plant species. 20 years of protection from the filing date.
