There are actually three kinds of patents: utility patents, design patents, and plant patents.
Utility patents are for a "new or improved and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter." Design patents are for a "new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture." Plant patents are granted "for inventing or discovering and asexually reproducing any distinct and new variety of plant."
Laws of nature, physical phenomena, and/or abstract ideas can't be patented. To receive a utility patent your invention must be useful, new, non-obvious, and you must provide a clear description of how to make and use it.
The USPTO has further information about "Patent Basics" on this page. Please reach out to the PTRC Representatives if you have further question. You can reach us via email at lib-ptrc@osu.edu.
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