Meaning & Definition of word "Patent"

Patent

/ˈpæt.ənt/

1. A government authority or license conferring a right or title for a set period, especially the sole right to exclude others from making, using, or selling an invention.
- Example: He obtained a patent for his new invention to protect it from being copied.
2. An official document granting rights or privileges.
- Example: The artist secured a patent for her unique design.

1. To obtain a patent for an invention.
- Example: They plan to patent their innovative technology next month.

1. Easily recognizable; obvious.
- Example: The patent flaws in the plan made it difficult to trust its success.

●Middle English patentes, from Latin patent-, patens, present participle of patere, meaning 'to be open'.

patent pending:

A status indicating that a patent application has been filed but not yet granted.

open patent:

A patent that allows others to use the invention without restriction.

patent infringement:

The unauthorized use of a patented invention.

invention:

The creation of a product or process for the first time.

trademark:

A symbol, word, or words legally registered or established by use as representing a company or product.

licensing:

The act of granting permission to use a trademark or patent.

Meaning: Patented

● Example Sentence: That's a patented look, everyone knows it's yours.

Meaning: Patent troll

● Example Sentence: He's acting like a patent troll by suing small startups over minor infringements.