In this module, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will provide a brief overview of the different types of intellectual property (including trademarks and copyrights) and take an in-depth look at the patenting process from invention to application to issue. We will also cover the requirements for patentability, how to determine whether a provisional or non-provisional application is right for you, and how to weigh the costs and benefits of hiring a patent attorney.