A utility patent covers what an invention is or how it functions. A utility patent is effective from the date it is issued and lasts for 20 years from the date it was applied for. A design patent covers the ornamental features of a manufactured item. Design patents cover only how something looks, not how it works. A design patent lasts for 14 years from the date it is issued.
Plant patents cover asexually reproduced plants.
Fruit trees and other flowering plants are the most common subjects for plant patents. There are usually two reasons patent investigations are requested. The first is to find out if a new invention is patentable. The second type of patent investigation is done to avoid infringement problems by finding out if something that you plan to make is covered by an effective patent owned by someone else. Patentability Searches Patent searches are useful for determining if an invention is patentable.