A grant made by a government that confers upon the creator of an invention the sole right to make, use, and sell that invention for a set period of time.
Letters patent.
An invention protected by such a grant.
A grant made by a government that confers on an individual fee-simple title to public lands.
The official document of such a grant.
The land so granted.
An exclusive right or title.
Protected or conferred by a patent or letters patent: a patent right.
Of, relating to, or dealing in patents: patent law.
Obvious; plain. See Synonyms at apparent.
Biology Not blocked; open.
Biology Spreading open; expanded.
Of, relating to, or being a nonprescription drug or other medical preparation that is often protected by a trademark.
Of high quality. Used of flour.
Archaic Open to general inspection. Used especially of documents.
To obtain a patent on or for (an invention, for example).
To invent, originate, or be the proprietor of (an idea, for example).