Description:Designed to give a basic understanding of patents and the patent system. Includes historical background and a comparison of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Describes various types of patents and the criteria determining patentability. Gives recommendations for record keeping for research data and creative concepts, and explains preparing, filing, prosecuting, and using patents. Abstract: Designed to give a basic understanding of patents and the patent system. Includes historical background and a comparison of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Describes various types of patents and the criteria determining patentability. Gives recommendations for record keeping for research data and creative concepts, and explains preparing, filing, prosecuting, and using patents