This page provides information on the types of patents and types of patent applications, and the examination process. The rewriting of §§ 102 and 103 generally expands the scope of available prior art that can be used to reject patent applications and invalidate patents.What can and cannot be patented? Utility patents can be obtained for any new, useful, and non-obvious process. Patents can only be obtained for brand new products, that are not an obvious adaptation of an existing product. This alert discusses changes the USPTO is imposing in response to the coronavirus outbreak. New matter in a patent application refers to any material that was not included in the original application. It is not necessary to actually build your device since you can file for patent protection before or after you implement your new invention. New and distinct features; scope and limitation in the use of the invention. The most important legal consideration is that patent rights can be lost upon a first public disclosure, public use, or offer for sale of technology.