Intellectual property (IP) protections, including patents, are the foundation for biopharmaceutical innovation and the development of new treatments, cures and vaccines for patients. The U.S. patent system provides critical incentives for innovation and fuels the creation of new medicines. Yet, there can be confusion around what it takes for a patent to be granted and maintained. These two infographics describe the process of obtaining a patent and legal challenges patentholders are subject to once the patent has been granted.