A provisional
application for utility patent is temporary application that provides an
internationally recognized priority date. However, is never examined and cannot
mature into a patent. It must be followed by a full utility application within
12 months of its file date.
Utility patents may be granted to
anyone who invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, article of
manufacture, or compositions of matters, or any new useful improvement thereof.
Design patents may be granted to
anyone who invents a new, original, and ornamental design for an article of
manufacture.
Plant patents may be granted to
anyone who invents or discovers and asexually reproduces any distinct and new
variety of plant.