WHAT IS A PATENT

A Government Granted Monopoly


Under the laws of the United States, a person is ordinarily free to make, use or sell anything he or she desires. However, when a United States patent is issued, the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks acting on behalf of and under the seal of the United States government grants the owner of the patent, the right to exclude others from making, using or selling the invention throughout the United States of America. In short, others may not make, use or sell the patented invention without the authorization of the patent owner. A patent then, is a limited monopoly granted by the government for the term period of the patent. After the patent expires, anyone may make, use or sell the invention.

This page is sponsored by Jerry R. Potts a registered patent attorney providing Distinctively Better Service to the entrepreneur, individual inventor and small business client.


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