Patent Definition, Usage & Legal Examples

Meaning 1：obtain exclusive rights for (patent)

patent 🔊

/ˈpeɪt(ə)nt/

vt.

To officially apply for and get the special right to be the only one who can make or sell your new invention for a period of time.

Patent application process illustrated: person submitting document to official in office

obtain exclusive rights for 🔊

➕

/əbˈteɪn ɪkˈskluːsɪv raɪts fɔːr/

vt.

To secure exclusive legal rights to an invention by obtaining a patent from the government.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'patēre' (to be open) + '-ent' suffix. Originally meaning 'open' or 'exposed', now refers to an open/publicly granted right.

💡 Mnemonic

PAY the rent with a PATENT. Think: A new invention helps you PAY your bills because you have the exclusive right (PATENT) to sell it.

📖 Example

The young girl was thrilled to patent her innovative collapsible water bottle design. 🔊 The young girl was delighted to secure exclusive legal rights for her innovative collapsible water bottle design.

🔗 Collocations

patent an invention – to secure legal protection for a new creation

patent a process – to obtain exclusive rights for a specific method or technique

patent a device – to get a patent for a piece of equipment or tool

🔄 Synonyms

copyright (vt.) – To secure exclusive legal rights for a creative work like a book or song.

register (vt.) – To formally record or enter in an official list, as with a trademark.

license (vt.) – To grant formal permission to use an invention, though it does not mean to initially secure the right.

🌱 Derivatives

patentable (adj.) – Capable of being patented; meeting the legal requirements for a patent.

patentee (n.) – A person or entity that holds a patent.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'patens', meaning 'open'. Historically, a 'letters patent' was an open letter from a monarch granting a monopoly right, visible to all. This evolved into the modern legal system protecting inventors.