If two or more persons make an invention jointly, they apply for a
patent as joint inventors. A person who makes a financial contribution
is not a joint inventor and cannot be joined in the application as an
inventor. -from Patents and How to Get One Produced by the Patent and
Trademark Office and written in clear language that doesn't require a
lawyer to interpret, this is an important resource for inventors looking
to protect their valuable work. This step-by-step guide to the patent
process answers all your questions: . What is a patent? . What can be
patented? . Who may apply for a patent? . What specifications, models,
or exhibits must accompany a patent application? . How long does a
patent application take? . How can denied applications be appealed? .
What rights are granted by a patent? . and many others.