What rights will a patent give to me?

Answer

A patent allows the owner to prevent others from making, using, offering to sell, or selling any patented invention, within the United States, or importing into the United States any patented invention during the term of the patent.  35 U.S.C. §271  In other words, a patent is a negative right, the right to exclude others from benefiting from your invention.

However, a patent does not give you the right to make, use and sell your invention.  It may be possible that while you are able to obtain a patent for your invention, there may be existing patents that could prevent you from using your invention.  Accordingly, when bringing a new product to market, even one for which you may have a patent, it is important to assess your risk by requesting a patent clearance search and getting a freedom to practice opinion from a patent attorney.