Understanding Patents: Types and Benefits

The video tutorial explains the concept of patents, which are federal protections for inventions. It covers three main types of patents: utility patents, which protect the functional aspects of inventions; design patents, which safeguard the appearance of manufactured items; and plant patents, which are for new plant varieties. Each type of patent has specific criteria and durations, with utility and plant patents lasting 20 years, and design patents lasting 14 years from the filing date.

How does the process of obtaining a patent differ from copyright protection?

What is the duration of a utility patent from the date of filing?

Explain the difference between a utility patent and a design patent.

Describe what a plant patent protects.

What are the three main types of patents?