Legal Definitions - Patent applied for

Patent applied for is a phrase used to inform the public that an inventor or company has submitted an application to a government patent office (such as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office) for a new invention. This label indicates that the patent application is currently under review.

While the application is pending, the invention does not yet have full patent protection against others copying or using it without permission. However, using this phrase serves as a public notice to potential competitors and customers that a patent is being sought, which can deter others from attempting to develop or market similar products. It is crucial that this phrase is only used if an actual patent application has been filed, as falsely claiming "patent applied for" can lead to legal penalties.

Here are some examples:

• A small electronics company, BrightIdeas Inc., invents a new type of smart light bulb that can project holographic images. Before launching their product, they file a patent application for the unique projection technology. On their prototype packaging and marketing materials, they prominently display "Patent Applied For" next to the product name.

  This illustrates "Patent applied for" because BrightIdeas Inc. has formally submitted their invention to the patent office. By using the label, they are informing potential competitors that they are seeking legal protection for their innovative light bulb, even though the patent hasn't been officially granted yet. This might make other companies think twice before trying to replicate the holographic projection feature.

• EcoBuild Solutions, a construction materials company, develops a revolutionary new composite material that is significantly stronger and lighter than traditional concrete. They believe this material will transform building practices. After filing a comprehensive patent application for the material's composition and manufacturing process, they begin to showcase samples of the material at industry trade shows, labeling them with "Patent Applied For."

  Here, "Patent applied for" signifies that EcoBuild Solutions has formally initiated the process to secure intellectual property rights for their advanced building material. Displaying this label at trade shows alerts other companies in the construction sector that EcoBuild is actively pursuing a patent, potentially discouraging them from attempting to reverse-engineer or independently develop a similar material while the application is under review.

• A software startup, CodeFlow, creates a unique algorithm that dramatically optimizes data compression for streaming video. They believe this algorithm will give them a significant competitive edge. Before publicly releasing their software development kit (SDK) to partners, they file a patent application for the algorithm. In their developer documentation and on their website's technology page, they state "CodeFlow's proprietary compression algorithm - Patent Applied For."

  This example demonstrates "Patent applied for" in the context of software. CodeFlow has submitted its innovative algorithm to the patent office. By including the "Patent Applied For" notice in their documentation, they are signaling to potential users and competitors that they are seeking legal protection for their core technology, even though the patent has not yet been issued. This serves as a warning against unauthorized copying or use of their unique compression method.