Apple, Inc., obtains design patents on its iPhones and iPads that cover the devices’ graphical user interface, shell, and screen and button design. Other patents cover the way the information is displayed, the way the windows pop open, the way the information is scaled and rotated, and other aspects.

What is a patent? A patent is a grant from the government that gives an inventor the exclusive ______________ to make, use, and sell an invention for a period of twenty years.

For designs, patents are given for ______________ years.

How is a patent obtained? To obtain a patent, an applicant must show to the satisfaction of the patent office that the invention, discovery, or design is novel, useful, and not ______________ in light of current technology. The word Patent or Pat. with the patent number gives notice to the world that the article or design is patented.