Patent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ก
patent
[หpeษชtnt ]
Definitions
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?
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
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.
obtain a patent
To patent something means to obtain a patent for an invention or process, securing exclusive rights to it.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| protect |
To keep something safe from harm, damage, or loss. Can be used in various contexts, including physical safety, legal rights, and digital security.
|
| secure |
To make something safe or stable. Often used in the context of physical security, online security, or ensuring stability.
|
Examples of usage
- The company decided to patent their new product.
- He patented his unique method of production.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The first patent law was enacted in Venice in 1474, establishing the concept of protecting inventors' rights.
- The United States Patent Office was established in 1790, allowing inventors to register their inventions and ensuring their protection.
- Thomas Jefferson was the first U.S. Secretary of State and played a key role in shaping the early patent system, believing in encouraging innovation.
Science and Technology
- Over 10 million patents had been issued in the U.S. by 2021, showcasing the volume of inventions developed.
- Patents not only cover inventions but also processes, designs, and even improvements on existing inventions.
- The world of technology sees rapid patenting, especially in fields like pharmaceuticals and electronics, as companies seek to secure their innovations.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'patent pending' often appears in media and products, indicating an invention is being considered for a patent.
- Movies and TV shows often depict inventors struggling for patent rights, showcasing the importance of protecting oneโs ideas.
- Famous figures like Steve Jobs and Thomas Edison are often associated with iconic patents that changed the landscape of technology.
Law and Ethics
- Patents can lead to ethical debates, especially in healthcare, regarding access to medicines and fair pricing.
- The duration of a patent usually lasts for 20 years, prompting debates about its length and its impact on public access to inventions.
- Innovators often have to navigate a complex legal system to enforce their patents, highlighting the intersection of law and creativity.
Origin of 'patent'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'patent' comes from the Latin word 'patere,' meaning 'to open', implying that the invention is opened for public use.
- In the 15th century, the term was associated with 'letters patent', which were open documents that granted rights or privileges to individuals.
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.