About this guide
What is a patent?
A patent is a legal document giving the patent owner certain exclusive rights to his/her invention for a limited time.
Patents are an excellent source of information on new technology, trends in technological development, and specific products or innovations.
Patents, copyright, trademarks?
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has an excellent video outlining the difference between patents, copyright, and trademarks.
https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics/trademark-patent-or-copyright​
This guide is largely drawn with permission from the excellent Patent guide created by Dave Schmitt at UC San Diego.
