Legal Definitions - patent number

A patent number is a unique identification code issued by a government patent office, such as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), to officially recognize and distinguish a specific invention for which a patent has been granted. This number serves as a permanent reference for the patented invention, allowing anyone to easily locate its full details, including its claims, drawings, and specifications.

• Example 1: A New Smartphone Camera Technology

  Imagine a technology company invents a revolutionary new camera lens system for smartphones that significantly reduces blur in low-light conditions. After successfully applying to the USPTO and proving their invention is novel, non-obvious, and useful, the USPTO grants them a patent. The USPTO then assigns a unique patent number to this specific invention, such as "US 11,234,567 B2." This number identifies this exact camera lens system and distinguishes it from all other patented inventions, allowing anyone to look up its detailed technical specifications.

• Example 2: An Eco-Friendly Packaging Material

  A startup develops a new biodegradable packaging material that dissolves completely in water within minutes, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic. They file a patent application, and after examination, the USPTO determines it meets all patentability requirements. Upon granting the patent, the USPTO issues a unique patent number for this specific material composition and its manufacturing process. This number allows competitors, researchers, or consumers to verify the patent's existence and review its scope, ensuring the startup's exclusive rights to produce and sell this innovative packaging.

• Example 3: An Advanced Medical Diagnostic Device

  A medical research team invents a non-invasive device that can detect early signs of a specific disease using only a breath sample. They secure a patent from the USPTO for this groundbreaking diagnostic technology. The patent number assigned to this device, for instance, "US 12,345,678 A1," becomes its official identifier. Doctors, hospitals, or other medical device manufacturers can use this number to confirm the device's patented status, understand its patented features, and ensure they are not infringing on the patent holder's rights if they wish to develop similar technologies.