Humanities › History & Culture How to Patent an Idea in the U.S. Bring your invention to life and protect it with a US patent. Share Flipboard Email Print How to Patent an Idea - US Patent. Getty Images/Don Farrall History & Culture Inventions Patents & Trademarks Famous Inventions Famous Inventors Invention Timelines Computers & The Internet American History African American History African History Ancient History and Culture Asian History European History Genealogy Latin American History Medieval & Renaissance History Military History The 20th Century Women's History View More By Mary Bellis Inventions Expert Mary Bellis covered inventions and inventors for ThoughtCo for 18 years. She is known for her independent films and documentaries, including one about Alexander Graham Bell. our editorial process Mary Bellis Updated January 08, 2018 A US patent for an invention grants property rights to the inventor(s). A US patent can only be issued by the US Patent and Trademark Office aka the USPTO. How to Patent an Idea - US Patent Property Rights The property rights that a US patent gives your invention means the right to prevent others who do not have your permission from making, using, offering for sale, or selling your invention in the United States or importing your invention into the United States. To get a US patent, all applications must be filed in the US Patent and Trademark Office. For more general information about US patents and the operations of the US Patent and Trademark Office. US Patent Application ProcessDifferent US Patent TypesWhere to Get US Patent FormsUsing a Patent Attorney or AgentFile Electronically How to Patent an Idea - Utility Patent Application Utility patents may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or compositions of matters, or any new useful improvement thereof. DefinitionHow to File For How to Patent an Idea - Design Patent Application Design patents may be granted to anyone who invents a new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture. DefinitionHow to File For How to Patent an Idea - Plant Patent Application Plant patents may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers and asexually reproduces any distinct and new variety of plant. DefinitionHow to File For