C1noun formal 2K

Patent

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈpætnt//ˈpeɪtnt/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈpætnt/"]/

Meaning of Patent

an official right to be the only person to make, use or sell a product or an invention; a document that proves this

In simple words: A legal right to make or sell an invention.

Patent in a sentence

• to apply for/obtain/take out a patent on an invention
• The device was protected by patent.
• patent applications/laws
• the US Patent Office
• Edison took out a patent on the light bulb.
• In 1843 Bain filed a patent for his fax machine.
• In 1995 he was granted a patent for his invention.
• The item is Patent Pending No. 11092001.
• a leading authority on patent law

How to use Patent

Used in legal or business contexts when discussing inventions. Not appropriate in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

patent + object

Memory hint

Think of 'patent' like a 'pat on the back' for inventors who are recognized.

Related words

Collocations with Patent

• apply for
• file
• get
• expire
• cover
• protect
• application
• protection
• law
• patent for
• patent on
• patent pending

Synonyms for Patent

• license
• copyright
• exclusive right
• trademark

Opposites of Patent

• copy
• replicate
• imitate

Common mistakes with Patent

• Confused with 'patience' - they sound similar but have different meanings.
• Using 'patent' as a verb incorrectly; it should be 'patent an invention'.
• 'Patent pending' often misused when referring to a filed application.

Frequently asked questions about Patent

What does Patent mean?

A legal right to make or sell an invention.

What is the definition of Patent?

an official right to be the only person to make, use or sell a product or an invention; a document that proves this

How do you use Patent in a sentence?

to apply for/obtain/take out a patent on an invention

Can you give another example of Patent?

The device was protected by patent.

What are synonyms for Patent?

Common alternatives include license, copyright, exclusive right, trademark.

What is the opposite of Patent?

Opposite meanings include copy, replicate, imitate.

What words go with Patent?

It commonly pairs with apply for, file, get, expire, cover, protect, application, protection, law, patent for, patent on, patent pending.

What are common mistakes when using Patent?

Confused with 'patience' - they sound similar but have different meanings. Using 'patent' as a verb incorrectly; it should be 'patent an invention'. 'Patent pending' often misused when referring to a filed application.

How do you pronounce Patent?

US: /["/ˈpætnt/"]/, UK: /["/ˈpætnt//ˈpeɪtnt/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Patent formal or informal?

"Patent" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Patent?

Used in legal or business contexts when discussing inventions. Not appropriate in casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Patent?

"Patent" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.