Legal Definitions - patentee

A patentee is the individual or entity legally recognized as the owner of a patent. This includes both the original inventor or company to whom the patent was first issued by a government authority, and any subsequent individual or organization that has legally acquired ownership of that patent. Essentially, the patentee holds the exclusive rights granted by the patent.

• Example 1: Original Grantee

  Dr. Anya Sharma invents a new type of biodegradable plastic and successfully applies for and is granted a patent for her invention by the national patent office.

  In this scenario, Dr. Sharma is the patentee because the patent was directly issued to her, making her the original legal owner of the exclusive rights to her invention.

• Example 2: Acquisition by a Company

  A small tech startup, "Innovate Solutions Inc.," develops a groundbreaking software algorithm and secures a patent for it. Later, a larger technology conglomerate, "GlobalTech Corp.," acquires Innovate Solutions Inc. As part of the acquisition agreement, GlobalTech Corp. legally takes ownership of all patents previously held by Innovate Solutions Inc.

  Here, GlobalTech Corp. becomes the patentee of the software algorithm patent. Even though they didn't originally invent it or apply for the patent, they succeeded in title by legally acquiring ownership from the original patentee, Innovate Solutions Inc.

• Example 3: Assignment to an Institution

  Professor David Lee invents a novel medical device while conducting research at "State University." According to his employment agreement, all intellectual property developed during his tenure belongs to the university. When the patent for the device is granted, it is officially assigned to and issued in the name of the "State University Research Foundation."

  The State University Research Foundation is the patentee. Although Professor Lee was the inventor, the patent was legally assigned to and granted in the name of the university foundation, making the foundation the legal owner and holder of the patent rights.