Intellectual Property

What is Protected

Term of Protection

Utility Patents

any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement
(chemical, mechanical, or electrical)

20 years from the date of filing
(subject to payment of maintenance fees)

Design Patents

a new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture (the appearance of a functional product)

14 years from date of grant

Plant Patents

any distinct and new variety of plant invented or discovered and asexually reproduced

20 years from the date of filing

Trade Secrets

a formula, pattern, process, or device that a company keeps secret to give it an advantage over the competition

as long as the owners are able to keep it secret

Trademarks

a word, name, symbol, or device that is used in trade to indicate the source of goods and to distinguish them from the goods of others

as long as it is still in use and renewal fees are paid

Copyright

original works of creative expression fixed in any tangible medium