Patenting: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'patent' comes from the Latin term 'patere', which means 'to lay open', reflecting the idea that an invention is made public.
• Originally, patents were called 'letters patent', which were documents that allowed inventors to have rights to their creations.

Historical Origins

• The first known patent system was established in Venice in 1474, encouraging innovation by protecting inventors' rights.
• In 1790, the United States signed the Patent Act, officially enabling inventors to apply for patents and protect their inventions.
• Famous inventors like Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell made use of patenting to safeguard their groundbreaking technologies.

Pop Culture

• Popular movies often showcase inventors seeking patents as they face challenges from others trying to steal their ideas.
• Reality TV shows about startups frequently highlight the importance of patenting in the tech industry, showcasing inventors protecting their ideas.

Science and Innovation

• Patenting encourages scientific research by ensuring that inventors can benefit economically from their research efforts.
• Many life-saving drugs and technologies are patented to secure the financial investment required for their development.

Legal Aspects

• Patenting requires a detailed application process, including demonstrating that the invention is novel and non-obvious.
• In many countries, a patent lasts for about 20 years, after which the invention enters the public domain and can be used freely.

Positioned at #24,995, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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