Broomfield Patent Attorneys & Lawyers

A utility patent vs. a design patent may have inventors wondering which one is best for their invention. Utility patents and design patents differ because utility patents cover unique ideas or inventions, but design patents are for new designs of existing products.

Utility Patent vs. Design Patent

The difference between a utility patent and a design patent is that:

• The utility patent is a trademark protection that makes sure a person has full control over his or her invention.
• A design patent is used when you create a new design for an existing product.

What Is a Utility Patent?

The utility patent is a trademark protection that makes sure a person has full control over his or her invention. More than 90 percent of all patents issued each year are utility patents.

You receive a utility patent when you invent a:

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Updated July 7, 2020:

How Much Do Inventors Make?

The question "how much do inventors make" does not have one answer. A great invention at the perfect time can earn the inventor millions, a few good inventions can keep the inventor going for years, or inventing can be a money sink that never amounts to anything. However, there are several ways to profit from an invention idea you should know about.

Invent Smarter, Not Harder

If you want to invent something because you always wanted to do so or because you're passionate about the product, that's perfectly fine. However, you shouldn't expect to get rich just from following your heart. Inventing as a hobby can be great fun, but you'll need to put in a lot more effort if you want to make a profit.

• Curb y

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What Is Patent Exhaustion?

Patent exhaustion happens when a patented item, typically under a utility patent, is legally made and sold in the United States and the person who holds the patent gives up all rights to it. 

If you patent your invention and sell it to someone, you give up your rights over the use of that item. This is especially true if the only value in your invention is in its use. This applies to any patented product, but think about your car. The make and model of your car have a patent. As an individual, after you buy the car, you can give it away, sell it, or make any changes you want to it without worrying about being sued by the automaker. However, you can make patented items for sale subject to some terms of sale or license agreements. 

When Patent Exhaustion Doesn't Apply

There are tim

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How to Get a Patent Pending: What Is the Process?

If you want to get a patent pending, all you need to do is file a provisional patent application (PPA) with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Filing the application involves clearly describing your invention and paying a fee ranging from $65-$260, depending on your business size. With the application filed, your invention has patent pending status.

The U.S. Congress set up the provisional patent application as a fairly quick and easy way to get patent pending status. The idea is to let inventors

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Updated November 5, 2020:

Patent Assignment: What Is It?

A patent assignment is a part of how to patent an idea and is an irrevocable agreement for a patent owner to sell, give away, or transfer his or her interest to an assignee, who can benefit from and enforce the patent. The assignee receives the original owner's interest and gains exclusive rights to intellectual property. He or she can sue others for making or selling the invention or design.

There are four types of patent assignments:

• Assignment of Rights - Patent Issued: This is for patents that have already been issued.

• Assignment of Rights - Patent Application: This is for patents still in

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