Legal Definitions - res in privatorum patrimonio

Res in privatorum patrimonio is a Latin legal phrase that translates to "things in the private property of individuals." It refers to any object, asset, or right that is capable of being owned, controlled, and transferred by a private individual or a private entity (like a corporation), as opposed to belonging to the state or being considered common property for everyone.

Essentially, this term encompasses all forms of private property that can be legally held and managed by non-governmental parties.

• Example 1: A Family Home

  Imagine a family that owns a house and the land it sits on. This house and land are considered res in privatorum patrimonio. The family, as private individuals, holds the legal title, has exclusive rights to live in it, make improvements, sell it, or pass it on to their heirs. It is not public property like a park or a government building.

• Example 2: A Collection of Rare Art

  Consider an individual who has spent years acquiring a valuable collection of rare paintings and sculptures. These artworks are res in privatorum patrimonio. The collector, a private person, has exclusive possession and control over these items, can display them in their home, lend them to a museum, sell them, or bequeath them in their will. They are personal assets, not public domain art.

• Example 3: A Patented Invention by a Company

  A technology company develops a groundbreaking new software algorithm and successfully obtains a patent for it. This patent, though an intangible right, is res in privatorum patrimonio. The private company owns the exclusive legal right to use, license, or sell this invention for a specific period, preventing others from using it without permission. This intellectual property is a valuable asset owned by a private entity, not something freely available to the public.