Patented Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Legal Significance

• Patents typically last for 20 years from the filing date, granting exclusivity to inventors to profit from their inventions.
• There are several types of patents: utility, design, and plant patents, each catering to different kinds of inventions.
• Obtaining a patent can be a lengthy process, often requiring detailed documentation and sometimes legal assistance.

Pop Culture

• Famous patented inventions include the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell and the lightbulb by Thomas Edison.
• In the tech world, patent wars have erupted, notably between major companies like Apple and Samsung over smartphone designs.
• A humorous patent exists for a 'method of swinging on a swing,' illustrating how patents can sometimes cover the most trivial inventions.

Innovation and Science

• The patent system encourages innovation as inventors are rewarded with exclusive rights for their creative efforts.
• Biotechnology has seen a surge in patent applications, protecting new drugs and genetically modified organisms.
• Some notable scientists, like Nikola Tesla, chose not to patent their inventions, believing that knowledge should be freely shared.

Economic Impact

• Countries with strong patent protections often see more investment in research and development, boosting their economies.
• Startups frequently rely on patents to attract investors by demonstrating the uniqueness of their technology.
• Patent trolls, entities that acquire patents solely to sue others, can hinder innovation by creating fear among inventors.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'patent' comes from the Latin 'patere,' meaning 'to lay open,' implying that an idea is open for public use.
• The formalization of patents began in Venice in the 15th century, where inventors were granted rights for their inventions.
• The modern patent system was largely influenced by the U.S. Constitution, which promotes the progress of science and useful arts.

The term 'patent' comes from the Latin word 'patere', which means 'to lie open'. This likely reflects the public nature of the granted rights. In the early 15th century, the word evolved into 'patent' in Middle English, referring to documents that provided a monopoly to a technology or process. The Statute of Monopolies, enacted in 1624 in England, marked an important development in the concept of patents, as it aimed to prevent monopolies and establish clearly defined rights for inventors. Over time, patent law evolved significantly, with the first U.S. Patent Act passed in 1790. This act allowed inventors to secure exclusive rights for their inventions for a limited period, laying the groundwork for the modern patent system. Patents have since become a crucial component of the innovation landscape, fostering creativity and investment in various industries.

Position #9,073 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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