There are three different types of patents:

1. Utility Patent - a structure or apparatus that is new and useful (has "utility"). This type of patent covers function and can include machinery and medicine, and the patent protection lasts for 20 years.

2. Plant Patent - a newly discovered asexually reproduced new variety of plant. For example, a new type of rose can be patented, and the patent protection lasts for 20 years.

3. Design Patent - a new, original, ornamental design for a manufactured item. This patent covers the way an item looks, and the patent protection lasts for 14 years.

The U.S. Supreme Court stated that patent protection can "include anything under the sun that is made by man." Any patentable item must be new, useful, and non-obvious. This does not include occurrences in nature or ideas. Patentable items include:

1. Process - Examples are a new way to make or do something which can include manufacturing, software, or business methods.

2. Machine - An example is new equipment.

3. Article of Manufacture - An example is a new tool.

The patent process can take two-three years. Once the patent is approved, the owner of the patent has the legal right to stop anyone else from making, using, selling, or copying the patented item. The application for a patent must be filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office within one year after the item is created. If you think you have a new item that may be patentable and valuable, you can review the information on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website at www.uspto.gov. If you believe you have a new item of great value, it is recommended that you consult a patent attorney because of the complexity of the process.

Jo Ann Joy, Esq., MBA, CEO; www.IndigoBusinessSolutions.net Copyright 2006 Indigo Business Solutions. All rights reserved.

Jo Ann Joy

Jo Ann Joy is the CEO and owner of Indigo Business Solutions. She has a law degree, an MBA, and a degree in Economics. Her legal background includes commercial, corporate, bankruptcy and real estate law. She has expertise in accounting, financial planning, mortgages, marketing, product development, and business strategies.

Jo Ann ran a successful business for 10 years, and she has written and given presentations on many different legal and business subjects. Jo Ann started Indigo Business Solutions, and she strives to help small businesses make decisive improvements in their start-up, direction, growth, and performance. Jo Ann is passionate about helping businesses succeed.

Indigo Business Solutions is a ?one stop shop? for small businesses. We differ from other business consulting firms, because we offer comprehensive legal and business counseling. We work with our clients to develop strategies that create value and competitive advantage. Jo Ann is not a traditional attorney. Rather, she is a strategic business attorney who works closely with clients to create and implement strategies that will greatly improve their performance and success.

Jo Ann will her talents, expertise, and education to inspire enterprising and imaginative people to make their goals a reality and enjoy professional and personal growth. She promises to consistently deliver quality and reliable service to earn your trust and create lasting relationships. She promises that she will make a positive difference in your business.

If you are not getting what you want from your business or if you want to reach higher goals, Indigo Business Solutions delivers the strategic planning that will provide you with the right tools and methods to grow and gain market share. Please look at our website and found out how we can help you expand and achieve your goals.

We offer straight talk, sound advice, and practical solutions. Your small business deserves to be a success, and