Patent
/ˈpeɪt.ənt/
A patent is either a government-granted exclusive right to an invention or an archaic term meaning clearly obvious or open to view.
Examples
- The company filed a patent for its new battery technology.
- The flaw in the argument was patent to everyone present.
- There was a patent lack of preparation in the presentation.
- They are trying to patent their software algorithm.
- The danger became patent only after the accident.
Meanings
The term entered English in the 16th century from Old French patente, meaning 'open' or 'available to all'. Originally referring to official documents that were publicly displayed, it evolved to mean a grant of exclusive rights to an inventor by the 18th century as industrial innovation increased.
Examples
- The company filed a patent for its new battery technology.
- She was awarded a patent after years of research.
- They are trying to patent their software algorithm.
- The invention cannot be patented because it lacks novelty.
- He violated the patented design of the original product.
The adjective form of 'patent' predates the legal meaning. It comes directly from Latin patens, meaning 'open' or 'evident'. While this sense is now rare, it survives in phrases like 'patent ambiguity', where something is clearly obvious.
Examples
- The flaw in the argument was patent to everyone present.
- His dishonesty was patent from the beginning.
- There was a patent lack of preparation in the presentation.
- The danger became patent only after the accident.
- Her frustration was patent in her tone.