You’ve created something useful, and, hopefully, profitable, and now you want to protect your invention. An application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office will guard your right to make, distribute and sell your creation to the public.

A patent is a right conferred by the government to intellectual property that gives the patent-holder sole authorization to sell, make or distribute the item. Patents in the United States can only be granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, is responsible for reviewing patent applications of new inventions.