File a Patent - Overview

	Overview  |   Patent Searching  |   Patent Pending  |   Provisional Patent vs. Utility
	What is a patent? A patent is a limited right granted by a government (all patents are limited by country) that allows the inventor to stop other people or companies from making, using or selling a specifically defined invention. In the United States, a patent term generally lasts for a period of twenty years from date of the filing of the patent application. What may be patented? There are four categories of invention, which may be patented: Processes; Machines; Articles of manufacture (things that are made, like a pencil); and Compositions of matter (chemical compounds). How can we assist you? We can provide the following patent assistance information and services: We will provide you with a free informational brochure on the key aspects of the patent process, which was prepared by a registered patent attorney firm. We offer a professional patent search conducted by an independent, professional patent search firm. We offer a low cost online provisional patent application system for you to file a provisional patent application to obtain patent pending status. For full utility and design patent applications and legal consultations, we offer professional registered patent attorney and/or agent referrals. Disclaimer: Jacob Enterprises, Inc. (d/b/a: MatchProduct) is not a law firm and is not engaged in the practice of law. MatchProduct does not and cannot practice before the U.S. patent office and cannot offer legal consulation, advice or services. We refer inventors to independent patent attorneys / agents for their patent needs.