Official US patents for inventions are often obtained in order to secure an inventor's property rights to his creation. US Patents give patent holders the right to exclude others from using, making or selling an invention in the United States or importing the invention. Patents may be obtained for utility, design, or plant patents. Utility patents are granted for inventions such as new processes or machines. Design patents are granted to inventors of new designs for articles of manufacture. Plant patents cover new inventions and discoveries regarding new and distinct varieties of plants. Online patent applications may be filed using the United States Patent and Trademark Office's electronic filing system, which is accessible through the Us Patent and Trademark Office's official website. Once an online patent application is submitted, it is sent to one of many examining technology centers to review. The experts and examiners at the technology center determine whether to grant a patent or deny an application.