In the United States, there are three types of patents.
The most common type of patent is called a utility patent. Utility patents may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition 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.
A plant patent may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers and asexually reproduces any distinct and new variety of plant.
The most common type of patent is called a utility patent. Utility patents may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition 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.
A plant patent may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers and asexually reproduces any distinct and new variety of plant.