What types of patent applications can be filed in the USPTO?
The three main types of patent applications that can be filed in the USPTO are:
- Utility patent applications (filed under 35 U.S.C. 101) for “any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter”
- Design patent applications (filed under 35 U.S.C. 171) for “any new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture”
- Plant patent applications (filed under 35 U.S.C. 161) for “whoever invents or discovers and asexually reproduces any distinct and new variety of plant”
Topics:
MPEP 200 - Types and Status of Application; Benefit and Priority Claims,
MPEP 201 - Types of Applications,
Patent Law,
Patent Procedure