The answer is money. The purpose of this guide is to provide you with basic information about filing a utility patent application with the USPTO.This page provides information on the types of patents and types of patent applications, and the examination process. In the U.S., for example, an issued patent typically grants 20 years of monopoly to the owner of the patent rights to practice the invention. This tutorial will focus on patents and the process for securing a patent in the U.S. First, let's consider why we have a patent system? On 16 September 2011, the United States of America (US) enacted changes to its patent law under the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA). This article summarizes the requirements for filing and prosecuting a US patent application filed postAmerica Invents Act (AIA) without a patent assignment. In the U.S., a patent gives the holder the right to exclude others from making, using, selling, offering to sell and importing the patented invention. A patent grants the patent holder the exclusive right to exclude others from making, using, importing, and selling the patented innovation for a limited period. Patents are granted and issued through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO).