Patents and How to Get One

If two or more persons make an invention jointly, they apply for a patent as joint inventors. A person who makes a financial contribution is not a joint inventor and cannot be joined in the application as an inventor.

-from Patents and How to Get One

Produced by the Patent and Trademark Office and written in clear language that doesn't require a lawyer to interpret, this is an important resource for inventors looking to protect their valuable work.

This step-by-step guide to the patent process answers all your questions:

. What is a patent?

. What can be patented?

. Who may apply for a patent?

. What specifications, models, or exhibits must accompany a patent application?

. How long does a patent application take?

. How can denied applications be appealed?

. What rights are granted by a patent?

. and many others.