The U.S. Parent Act was updated in November 2005.
A patent secures control over an idea or invention so it can't be stolen and used again. The idea or invention once patented becomes the property of its creator.
Requirements
To receive a patent, the idea must be completely new idea. If the idea being patented is too vague or abstract, it cannot be patented. Invention must also be considered useful and can't be an improvement from another invention that's already patented.
Rights
A patent is different than a copyright. A patent law protects an idea from being taken or used by another. The patent holder holds all rights over her idea and invention.
Ethics
Patent practitioners have a moral duty to follow when determining patent approval. They must inquire about the newness of an invention and they must not delay in responding to patent requests. Failure to abide by these ethics could lead to a patent being given to a stolen idea.
