Discuss U.S. patent law. Give examples of items that can and cannot be patented.
U.S. patent law protects the rights of those who discover tools, machines, processes and other "novel, useful, and non-obvious" inventions. Recently patented items include Amazon.com's one-click internet checkout (business method) and a new type of hybrid corn.
The Supreme Court has held that "laws of nature, natural phenomena [or] abstract ideas" are not patent-eligible.
Once a U.S. patent is acquired, the inventor has a complete monopoly for 20 years. During that time, no one else may use or profit from the invention without permission.

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The Answer of Discuss U.S. patent law. Give examples of items that can and cannot be patented.
U.S. patent law protects the rights of those who discover tools, machines, processes and other "novel, useful, and non-obvious" inventions. Recently patented items include Amazon.com's one-click internet checkout (business method) and a new type of hybrid corn.
The Supreme Court has held that "laws of nature, natural phenomena [or] abstract ideas" are not patent-eligible.
Once a U.S. patent is acquired, the inventor has a complete monopoly for 20 years. During that time, no one else may use or profit from the invention without permission.

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