What are the three major types of patents?

The three major types of patents are utility patents, design patents, and plant patents. Utility patents are the most common type and cover new inventions or discoveries, including processes, machines, articles of manufacture, and compositions of matter. Design patents protect the ornamental design of a functional item, essentially focusing on its appearance rather than its utility. Plant patents are granted for new and distinct varieties of plants that have been asexually reproduced, allowing breeders to secure exclusive rights to their unique creations.

Understanding these categories is crucial in the context of intellectual property law, as it helps inventors and companies determine the appropriate protection for their innovations. The other options mentioned, such as copyrights and trademarks, relate to different kinds of intellectual property that do not fit into the patent category. Recognizing the specific focus of patents is essential for innovation and protecting creative works.