1. What does a patent actually protect?

A) An idea or concept B) A product once it is manufactured C) The right to prevent others from making, using, or selling the invention D) A trademarked brand name

2. How do you stop a company from violating your patent?

A) File another patent B) Contact the Patent Office to enforce it C) Negotiate a license or take legal action in court D) Ask the infringer to stop, and they must comply

3. Can a provisional patent application be used to stop copycats?

A) Yes, it has the same enforcement power as a granted patent B) No, it only holds your place in line and establishes a filing date C) Yes, but only in the U.S. D) Yes, but only for one year

4. Does filing a provisional patent application in the USA establish a priority date for international patents?

A) Yes, it establishes a priority date that can be used in later foreign or PCT applications (if filed within 12 months) B) No, it only applies in the U.S. and cannot be used abroad C) Yes, but only in countries with trade agreements with the U.S. D) Yes, but only for 6 months

5. How long does a patent last?

A) 5 years from filing B) 10 years from filing C) 20 years from the earliest non-provisional filing date (utility patent) D) Forever, as long as you pay maintenance fees

6. Is a patent needed to make and sell a product?

A) Yes, always B) No, but it may prevent competitors from copying you C) Yes, unless the product is very simple D) Yes, if you want to sell internationally

7. What is a typical cost for getting a US patent on a simple mechanical device?

A) $100 – $500 B) $1,000 – $3,000 C) $5,000 – $15,000 D) $50,000 – $100,000

8. What is the average cost for patent litigation that goes to trial?

A) $50,000 – $100,000 B) $500,000 – $1 million C) $1 million – $3 million D) Over $10 million

9. If a US inventor has a patent in China, can they enforce their patent in China?

A) Yes, they can enforce it in both the U.S. and China B) No, only U.S. patents are enforceable worldwide C) Yes, but only within China, through the Chinese legal system D) No, foreign inventors have no rights in China

10. Can a business idea be patented?

A) Yes, any idea can be patented B) No, only physical products can be patented C) Only if it’s novel, non-obvious, and described in detail as a process or system D) Yes, but only if it makes money

Bonus Question: What does the word “invention” mean with regard to a patent?

A) Everything described in the published patent, including background and examples B) Only the embodiments shown in the drawings C) The scope defined by the claims at the end of the patent D) Any future improvements made by the inventor

Patent Quiz - How Much Do You Know About Patents?

Do you know what the word "invention" means with regard to a patent?

Patent Knowledge Quiz for Inventors