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.
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'
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.
