Legal Definitions - process patent

A process patent is a type of patent that grants the inventor the exclusive right to prevent others from using, making, or selling an invention or process for a specified period of time. The period of time is usually 20 years from the date of filing. To be granted a process patent, the invention or process must be novel, useful, and non-obvious.

For example, if someone invents a new way to manufacture a product, they can apply for a process patent to protect their invention. This would prevent others from using the same process to manufacture the same product without the inventor's permission.

Another example of a process patent is a patent for a new medical treatment. If a scientist discovers a new way to treat a disease, they can apply for a process patent to protect their discovery. This would prevent others from using the same treatment without the scientist's permission.