Patents are filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The patent office is a government agency and is responsible for examining the applications and for issuing the patents.
A patent on an idea gives the patent holder exclusive use of the idea for a limited time. No other person can make the same thing, use the idea, sell the idea or import the idea into the United States. If the USPTO grants a patent, the patent holder is responsible to enforce his or her own rights.
There are three types of patents—utility, design and plant patents. Utility and plant patents are further broken down into two categories—provisional and non-provisional. Each type of patent has its rules for filing, including how to format the application. Patent law is covered under Title 35 of the United States Code and Title 37 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
While it may seem intimidating, dealing with the bureaucratic paperwork,
RocketLawyer.com can help in properly filling out a
Provisional Patent Application. Remember, patent law exists to serve you the inventor. It’s in your best interest to pursue your legal rights to the fullest.