1) adj. obvious. Used in such expressions as a "patent defect" in an appliance.
2) n. an exclusive right to the benefits of an invention or improvement granted
by the U. S. Patent Office, for a specific period of time, on the basis that it
is novel (not previously known or described in a publication), "non-obvious" (a
form which anyone in the field of expertise could identify), and useful. There are
three types of patents a) "utility patent" which includes a process, a machine (mechanism
with moving parts), manufactured products, and compounds or mixtures (such as chemical
formulas); b) "design patent" which is a new, original and ornamental design for
a manufactured article; and c) "plant patent" which is a new variety of a cultivated
asexually reproduced plant. Example Secretary of Agriculture and later Vice President
Henry A. Wallace developed hybrid corn which made him rich for life. A utility or
plant patent lasts 17 years and a design patent lasts 14 years, but all types require
payment of "maintenance" fees payable beginning 3 1/2 years after the issuance to
keep them up. Patent law specialists can make a search of patents to determine if
the proposed invention is truly unique, and if apparently so, can file an application,
including detailed drawing and specifications. While awaiting issuance of the patent,
products or designs should be marked "patent pending" or "pat. pending. " Upon receiving
the patent the product can be marked with the word "patent" and the number designated
by the Patent Office. The rights can be transferred provided the assignment is signed
and notarized to create a record or "licensed" for use. Manufacture of a product
upon which there is an existing patent is "patent infringement" which can result
in a lawsuit against the infringer with substantial damages granted. 3) n. a nearly
obsolete expression for a grant of public land by the government to an individual.
See also patent ambiguity patent defect patent infringement patent pending
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