FAQs Patent Questions

Question:What is the difference between a utility patent and a design patent?

Answer:
A utility patent may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, compositions of matter, or any new useful improvement thereof. A design patent may be granted to anyone who invents a new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture.

Question:What is the Federal mandate that requires an extramural invention tracking system?

Answer:
New provisions to the Code of Federal Regulations came with the enactment of the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980. These provisions (CFR) stipulated the need for all grantees or contractors to report on activities involving the disposition of certain intellectual property rights that result from Federally funded research (37CFR Part 401).

Question:How do I search for a particular type of patent, e.g., a design patent?

Answer:
To search for a particular type of patent, go to any one of the three search pages (Quick, Advanced, Number) and, in the appropriate patent number field (Patent Number, PN/, Query), enter the patent number including the appropriate prefix: 'D' for design patents, 'PP' for plant patents, 'R' for reissue patents, 'T' for defensive publications, 'H' for SIRs, 'X' for X patents, or 'AI' for Additional Improvements

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