Patent: meaning, definitions and examples

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patent

 

[ หˆpeษชtnt ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

legal protection

A patent is 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.

Synonyms

copyright, license, trademark.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
patent

Use 'patent' when you want to talk about the exclusive rights granted for an invention or a unique process. Generally used in the context of technological or scientific products and inventions.

  • She applied for a patent for her new type of solar panel
license

Use 'license' when referring to official permission to do, use, or own something. This can refer to legal permission for various activities, from driving to using patented technology.

  • He needs to get a license to start his new business
copyright

Use 'copyright' when discussing the legal right that creators have over their original works, such as books, music, and films. It protects the specific expression of ideas, not the ideas themselves.

  • The copyright on the author's novel will expire after 70 years
trademark

Use 'trademark' when discussing a recognizable sign, design, or expression that identifies products or services of a particular source. It is often used in marketing and branding contexts.

  • The company's logo is a registered trademark

Examples of usage

  • A company applied for a patent for their new technology.
  • She holds a patent for her innovative design.
  • The inventor was granted a patent for his invention.
Context #2 | Verb

obtain a patent

To patent something means to obtain a patent for an invention or process, securing exclusive rights to it.

Synonyms

copyright, protect, secure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
patent

A legal document granting an inventor exclusive rights to an invention for a certain period of time. Typically used in the context of new inventions or innovative technological solutions.

  • She received a patent for her new solar panel design
  • The company is filing for a patent on their latest software development
copyright

Legal protection given to the creators of original works, like books, music, or art, preventing others from copying or using these works without permission. Often used in the context of creative works and intellectual property.

  • The author holds the copyright for all her novels
  • Be careful not to use copyrighted material without permission
protect

To keep something safe from harm, damage, or loss. Can be used in various contexts, including physical safety, legal rights, and digital security.

  • Parents often protect their children
  • It's important to protect your personal data online
secure

To make something safe or stable. Often used in the context of physical security, online security, or ensuring stability.

  • Ensure you secure your house before leaving
  • The company secured a significant deal with a new client

Examples of usage

  • The company decided to patent their new product.
  • He patented his unique method of production.

Translations

Translations of the word "patent" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น patente

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅ‡เคŸเฅ‡เค‚เคŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Patent

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ paten

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะฐั‚ะตะฝั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ patent

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็‰น่จฑ (ใจใฃใใ‚‡)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท brevet

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ patente

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท patent

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํŠนํ—ˆ (teukheo)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุฑุงุกุฉ ุงุฎุชุฑุงุน

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ patent

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ patent

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไธ“ๅˆฉ (zhuฤnlรฌ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ patent

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ einkaleyfi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟะฐั‚ะตะฝั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒแƒขแƒ”แƒœแƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ patent

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ patente

Etymology

The concept of patents dates back to ancient Greece, where inventors were granted exclusive rights to their creations. The modern patent system can be traced back to the Venetian Statute of 1474, which granted inventors a temporary monopoly on their inventions. Over the centuries, patent laws have evolved to protect intellectual property and encourage innovation.

See also: pat, patient, Patrick, patsy, patten, patty.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,567, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.