A patent gives its owner the right to exclude others from making, using, or selling the claimed invention. It can be a very valuable asset if properly drafted and prosecuted.
Moreover, knowing whether or not a meaningful patent is likely obtainable can be important in the decision making process, and a patent search and opinion can be a valuable tool for the small business or independent inventor.
Click here for some general information concerning patents.
Patent Examples Mechanical Chemical Electrical Biotechnology Computer/Business Method