Patents And Trademarks Essay Example for Free

Patents And Trademarks Essay 1. What are the types of patents? There are basically three (3) types of patents that an individual can apply for.   The first type is called the Utility Patent.   This type of patent is given to any person who is able to invent or discover any novel and useful process, machine, and manufactured article or matter composition.   It also includes any new and useful improvement of such.   The second type of patent is the design patent.   This patent is given to anyone who is able to create an original and novel ornamental design for any manufactured article.    The third type of patent is the plant patent, which is given to anyone who invents or discovers any distinct new variety of plant. 2. How long does the patent review process take? The patent review process is handled by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.   It is tasked with the review and examination of patent applications.   It usually takes a period of 18 months from the time of filing before the patent is approved.   There is also an accelerated patent application examination process that allows the USPTO to advance an application due to special reasons and circumstances. 3. What is the so-called Madrid Protocol concerning the international registration of marks? The Madrid Agreement and Protocol is a procedure by which any state that is a party to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property may invoke the international protection that is given to the patent.   Trademark and patent owners may now avail of international protection over their intellectual property rights without the need for filing a separate application in a foreign country.   Being a signatory to any of the agreements entitles the citizens of the signatory country to seek the intellectual property protection of any of the party states to the agreement.