A patent is an exclusive right an invention granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office in exchange for public disclosure of the invention.

Laws of nature, physical phenomena, abstract ideas, and artistic works. A patent cannot be obtained for an obvious or not novel invention.

There are three basic fees: - Filing Fee (Non-refundable whether or not a patent is granted) - Issue Fee (Only paid if patent is allowed) - Maintenance Fees (pat at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years after patent is granted)

Typically 20 years from the date of filing.