patent

[ˈpeɪtnt]

patent Definition

  • 1an official right to be the only person or company allowed to make or sell a new product for a certain period of time
  • 2a document that proves this right

Using patent: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "patent" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The company applied for a patent on their new invention.

  • Example

    He holds several patents for his innovative designs.

  • Example

    The patent is set to expire next year.

  • Example

    The company sued their competitor for infringing on their patent.

patent Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with patent

  • a legal status indicating that an application for a patent has been filed but not yet granted

    Example

    The company has a new product with patent pending status.

  • a type of leather with a glossy, shiny finish

    Example

    She wore a pair of black patent leather shoes to the party.

  • a medicinal preparation that is advertised as a cure-all but often has no therapeutic value

    Example

    In the 19th century, many people relied on patent medicines for their health problems.

Origins of patent

from Latin 'patere', meaning 'to lay open'

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Summary: patent in Brief

The term 'patent' [ˈpeɪtnt] refers to an official right to be the only person or company allowed to make or sell a new product for a certain period of time, and the document that proves this right. It is often used in phrases like 'patent pending,' indicating that an application for a patent has been filed but not yet granted, and 'patent leather,' referring to a type of glossy leather. 'Patent medicine' denotes a medicinal preparation that is advertised as a cure-all but often has no therapeutic value.

How do native speakers use this expression?