The answer is money. Patents grant inventors the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, importing, or selling the invention in the United States.This page provides information on the types of patents and types of patent applications, and the examination process. Find entry requirements, course fees and intake dates for studying a Doctor of Juridical Science - Patent Law degree at Suffolk University in United States. A new utility patent has a life of 20 years from application filing, assuming it issues and all subsequent maintenance fees are paid. Many people believe that you must register your trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to have enforceable rights; but that's not so, she says. Evening Division Students. Our aspiration is to grow profitably and create value for society â–» This is how we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Safety and security. Terrorism. There is a threat of terrorism in Europe.