C1nounformalbusinesslaw
US/ˈpæt.ənt/
UK/ˈpeɪ.tənt/
an official right to be the only person or company allowed to make or sell a new invention
In context
The company filed a patent for its new battery design last spring.
Our patent on the device expires in ten years, so competitors can copy it then.
She holds several patents related to solar panels.
Words that go with patent
verb + noun
- file a patentWe filed a patent before the product launch.
- hold a patentThe firm holds a patent on the process.
noun + noun
- patent applicationHer patent application was approved in June.
- patent infringementThe lawsuit accuses them of patent infringement.
- patent lawHe works as a lawyer in patent law.
noun + preposition
- patent onThey own a patent on the new engine.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
register a patent of the productCorrect: register a patent on the product