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LSDefine

Simple English definitions for legal terms

patent

Read a random definition: arrest

A quick definition of patent:

A patent is a special right given by the government to someone who invents something new. This right allows the inventor to be the only one who can make, use, and sell their invention for a certain amount of time. There are three types of patents: one for machines or processes, one for new designs, and one for new types of plants. To get a patent, the invention must be new, not obvious, and useful. Once someone has a patent, they can sell it or let someone else use it for a fee. If someone else tries to make or sell the same invention without permission, they can get in trouble and have to pay a lot of money.

A more thorough explanation:

Definition:

A patent is a government grant that gives the holder exclusive rights to make, use, and sell an invention for a certain period of time. The U.S. Patent Office grants patents for inventions that are novel, non-obvious, and useful. There are three types of patents:

  • Utility patent: Includes a process, a machine, manufactured products, and compounds or mixtures.
  • Design patent: A new, original, and ornamental design for a manufactured article.
  • Plant patent: A new variety of a cultivated asexually reproduced plant.

For example, if someone invents a new type of phone charger, they can apply for a utility patent to protect their invention. If the patent is granted, they have the exclusive right to make, use, and sell the phone charger for 17 years.

Usage:

Patent law specialists can help inventors search for existing patents to determine if their invention is truly unique. If it is, they can file an application with the U.S. Patent Office, including detailed drawings and specifications. While waiting for the patent to be granted, the inventor can mark their product or design as "patent pending." Once the patent is granted, the product can be marked with the word "patent" and the designated patent number.

If someone manufactures a product that infringes on an existing patent, they can be sued for patent infringement and may have to pay substantial damages.

Example:

Henry A. Wallace developed hybrid corn, which made him rich for life. He was granted a plant patent, which gave him the exclusive right to reproduce and sell the hybrid corn for a certain period of time.

This example illustrates how a plant patent can protect a new variety of a cultivated plant and give the inventor exclusive rights to reproduce and sell it.

passion | pay

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General

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medicine is a scam
join the ethically ambiguous legal field instead
Dkk
18:57
I want to meet an attorney that defends clients who run into flat earth problems. I want an attorney that knows and believes in flat earth theory.
19:05
i want a flat earther for president. i want a guy who posts on 4chan for president. i want someone who mogs for president.
Dkk
19:18
Exactly. My version of that awful poem.
Dkk
19:19
I can accept a president with maybe one or two of the poems traits hut good God, all of them??? No ty.
windyMagician
19:20
president who respects sex is crazy
windyMagician
19:20
we had bill clinton already
Dkk
19:21
Bill Clinton, first and last black president
windyMagician
19:23
I want to go running but my leg feels weird
windyMagician
19:23
it doesn't hurt its just tingly
Dkk
19:26
It needs more alcohol. You tingle when your nerves need watering.
19:27
try stretching it maybe to see what's up
windyMagician
19:27
stretches make me think it's just soreness
windyMagician
19:27
I'm sober lol
Dkk
19:38
Anyone else get the google notification that your LSD password has been compromised lol. LSD got hacked.
20:48
what.jpg @Dkk
CynicalOops
21:03
You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?
jackfrost11770
21:10
nope dk
CynicalOops
22:37
Calvinamala Harris
jackfrost11770
23:16
should i start using letterboxed again
Dkk
23:25
@jackfrost11770: if you want but like it aint for me
dk do u ever eat at bk
Dkk
23:48
@chickenburgahfart: I would do that in the Army if really desperate for food or if I had to work through lunch. One of the few fast food places I go to.
bk so slept on
Dkk
0:23
I will take In N Out everyday over it when I can though.
texaslawhopefully
1:22
In N Out is not only the best fast food place, but the prices too are fantastic
Dkk
1:27
Indeed, indeed.
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