What is a Patent ?

A patent for an invention is a grant of a property right by the government to the inventor. The right conferred by the patent grant is the right to exclude others from making, using or selling the invention. A patent is given only to the first inventor. If one innocently invents something already patented, no second patent will be granted. Patents are granted for a new and useful process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, or ornamental design for an article of manufacture. For more information on patents speak to your local CPA or call the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office at (800)786-9199 or go to their website at http://www.uspto.gov.