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Simple English definitions for legal terms
patent suppression
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A quick definition of patent suppression:
Patent suppression is when someone chooses not to use their patent, usually to prevent others from benefiting from the invention. This can happen on purpose, and it's not always a made-up story. For example, in 1942, Standard Oil admitted to trying to slow down the progress of synthetic rubber technology to protect their natural rubber market. Some people believe that big companies do this all the time, but it's not always true.
A more thorough explanation:
Patent suppression is when a person or company chooses not to use their patent, usually to prevent others from benefiting from the invention. This can be done on purpose to keep competitors from using the invention or to keep the public from having access to it.
There are many stories about patent suppression, some of which are true. For example, in 1942, Standard Oil admitted to delaying the development of synthetic rubber technology to protect their market in natural rubber. There are also rumors that oil companies have suppressed inventions that would improve gas mileage and that pantyhose companies have suppressed a patent on no-run nylon.
These examples show how patent suppression can be used to protect a company's profits or market share. By not using their patent, they can prevent others from using the invention and potentially taking away their customers or profits.