A patent grants the inventor exclusive rights to make, use, and sell an invention for a certain period, usually 20 years. To obtain a patent, an entrepreneur must file a patent application with the USPTO, detailing the invention and how it works. The application undergoes a thorough examination process to ensure it meets all legal requirements, including novelty, non-obviousness, and utility. Once approved, the patent holder can take legal action against anyone who uses the patented invention without permission.