How to Patent an Idea in the U.S.

Bring your invention to life and protect it with a US patent.

How to Patent an Idea - US Patent
How to Patent an Idea - US Patent. Getty Images/Don Farrall
by Mary Bellis
Mary Bellis, known by some as CalmX, was an experimental artist, film director and producer, video game content creator, and freelance writer for some 18 years. She specialized in writing about inventors and inventions, in particular. Bellis died in March 2015.
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.

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.

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.

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.