A patent protects both ornamental and functional ideas; for example,-. Artistic creations are also covered.

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Despite the fact that patenting can be a complex and expensive process,some knowledge can simplify it. The first step is to determine whether you need a utility or design patent.

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Utility patents protect the useful functionality of an invention or product. Suppose your invention involves a new and improved method of making ice cream. You will probably need a utility patent for that. If it covers the shape or form of a product,rather than an improvement on existing technology,then you might be able to get a design patent instead.

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The next consideration is the level of protection that covers your product. Utility Patents and Design Patents each have their advantages and disadvantages.

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A utility patent application must include drawings of how your product works. If you are filing a design patent application,like explained at -,the only diagrams required should show the appearance of your device or its packaging.

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Although it is not always necessary to include extra drawings with design patents,sometimes it would be helpful to include additional pictures that show how your product works and/or its main features.

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For example,if you have an electronic device with several buttons,but no one can figure out which button does what without looking at the drawing,then including such a diagram could help prevent others from using your invention as prior art against you.

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What was the first patent issued?

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In the United States,the first patent to be registered was in 1790. The invention was for a process of making potash,a fertilizer ingredient.

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In the United States,there are many types of intellectual property protection suited to different products and works of art. Copyright protects creative works from being copied detrimentally by others,unlike patents which specifically protect unique mechanisms and product designs. Text in a book and movie can include both text and images. Copyright does not protect the ideas themselves,but instead cover the expression of those ideas.

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An invention’s mechanism is the sole thing protected by a utility patent: it must be original and inventive. It does not cover how you built it,what materials were used in its construction,nor any other aspects of manufacturing.

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For more information on design patents,a helpful resource is -.