{"id":4924,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:49","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/intellectual-property\/a-guide-to-filing-a-utility-non-provisional-patent-application.html"},"modified":"2024-05-22T02:13:28","modified_gmt":"2024-05-22T07:13:28","slug":"a-guide-to-filing-a-utility-non-provisional-patent-application","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/intellectual-property\/a-guide-to-filing-a-utility-non-provisional-patent-application.html","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Filing a Utility (Non-Provisional) Patent Application"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

A Guide to Filing a Utility (Non-Provisional) Patent Application<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Taylar-Simone McCants, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Patents are a type of intellectual property<\/a> protection. Patents protect inventions and discoveries. Generally, an invention that is a product or process that is useful, novel, and non-obvious is eligible for patent protection.<\/p>\r\n

There are three types of patents: utility patents, design patents, and plant patents. Regardless of the type of patent, you must apply<\/a> with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)<\/a> to receive patent protection for your invention.<\/p>\r\n

As a business owner or startup company, you may have many questions about the patent application process. How do I complete a patent search? What does the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office look for to approve a patent application? Do I need to fill out a utility application?<\/p>\r\n

This article provides an essential guide to filing a utility non-provisional patent application.<\/p>\r\n

Definition of a Utility Patent<\/h2>\r\n

As mentioned above, three types of patents are available for inventions and discoveries:<\/p>\r\n