What types of patent applications can be filed in the USPTO?

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

The three main types of patent applications that can be filed in the USPTO are:

1. Utility patent applications (filed under 35 U.S.C. 101) for “any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter”
2. Design patent applications (filed under 35 U.S.C. 171) for “any new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture”
3. 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”