Patent

/ˈpæt.ənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

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.

He obtained a patent for his new invention to protect it from being copied.

An official document granting rights or privileges.

The artist secured a patent for her unique design.

verb

To obtain a patent for an invention.

They plan to patent their innovative technology next month.

adjective

Easily recognizable; obvious.

The patent flaws in the plan made it difficult to trust its success.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

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.

Slang Meanings

Patented

That's a patented look, everyone knows it's yours.

Patent troll

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