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”…
Read MoreWhat are the differences between design and plant patent applications?
Design and plant patent applications are two distinct types of patent applications, each protecting different aspects of inventions: Design Patent Applications:1. Protect the ornamental design of a functional item.2. Cover the visual appearance of an article of manufacture.3. Have a term of 15 years from the date of grant.4. Require drawings or photographs of the…
Read MoreWhat is the purpose of drawing review in the Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP)?
The primary purpose of drawing review in OPAP is to determine whether the drawings in new utility and plant patent applications can be effectively scanned for publication purposes. As stated in MPEP 507: The Office of Patent Application Processing (OPAP) performs an initial review of drawings in new utility and plant patent applications to determine…
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