This page provides information on the types of patents and types of patent applications, and the examination process. What can and cannot be patented?Utility patents can be obtained for any new, useful, and non-obvious process. A design patent can offer protection for the visual components of a culinary creation. This could include the food item itself or the packaging it comes in. You can license the use of your patent to others in exchange for royalties. The first is whether it is possible to obtain a patent on an invention that involves a combination of known, "off-the-shelf" parts.