Patent
/ˈpætənt/
nounadjectiveverbB2
Definition
As a noun, a patent is an official right given by a government that stops others from making or selling an invention without permission. As an adjective, patent means clear or obvious. As a verb, to patent means to get this legal right for an invention.
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See It in Action
Legal right to an invention
- •She applied for a patent to protect her new machine.
- •The company holds a patent on the phone's design.
- •Without a patent, others can copy your invention freely.
Clear or obvious (adjective)
- •It was a patent lie; everyone knew the truth.
- •His mistake was patent to all who watched.
- •The solution was patent once it was explained.
To get a patent (verb)
- •He patented his invention last year.
- •They plan to patent the new technology soon.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'patent' like 'right' (A1 word) but a special legal right for inventions or ideas
- ✓Picture a locked box with a new invention inside, and only the owner has the key to use or sell it
- ✓It's the feeling of owning something unique that others cannot copy or take without permission
- ✓Sounds like 'PAT-ent' → imagine a PATtern that is clear and official, showing ownership
- ✓Think of famous inventors like Thomas Edison who patented many inventions to protect their ideas
- ✓NOT like 'idea' (any thought) but 'patent' is the official protection for an idea turned invention
- ✓NOT like 'copyright' (protects books, music) but 'patent' protects inventions and new technology
- ✓NOT like 'secret' (hidden) — a patent is public information but gives exclusive rights
- ✓NOT just 'clear' (general meaning), but 'patent' as adjective means very obvious or easily seen
Try Other Words
- •Copyright: legal protection for creative works like books or music (Use when protecting art or writing, not inventions)
- •Trademark: legal protection for brand names or logos (Use when protecting company names or symbols)
- •License: permission to use something (Use when allowing others to use an invention or idea)
- •Obvious: easy to see or understand (Use when describing something clear, instead of patent as adjective)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix; 'patent' comes as a whole word)
- •Etymology: From Latin 'patere' meaning 'to lie open, be clear'
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 15th century for official documents showing rights and openness
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in law and business for invention protection; also as adjective meaning clear or obvious
- •Interesting fact: Patent laws encourage inventors by giving them time-limited monopoly to profit from their ideas
Reflect & Connect
•How does having a patent help inventors and society at the same time?
•Can something be patented if it is not new or obvious? Why or why not?
Fill in the blanks
1.To protect her invention, she applied for a patent so no one else could ___ it without permission.
2.When an invention is patented, others cannot ___ or sell it freely.
3.The mistake was patent to everyone; it was ___ obvious and clear.
4.He decided to patent his idea because it was ___ and useful.
5.A patent gives the inventor ___ rights for a limited time.
6.Unlike a secret, a patent is public information but gives ___ control.
7.If an invention is not new, it cannot be ___ by law.