Non-Provisional Patent Application

There are three types of non-provisional patent applications: utility, plant, and design.  Utility patents are for any new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter, and represent the vast majority of patent applications that are filed with the Patent Office.  Plant patents are for any asexually reproduced distinct and new variety of plant. Design patents cover original, ornamental, designs for an article of manufacture.  It should be noted that a design patent protects only the appearance of an article and does not protect function or structural design. 

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A non-provisional application is examined by The United States Patent and Trademark Office through a complex legal examination proceeding and will issue as a United States Patent if all legal requirements are found to be met.