What is a Patent?

A patent is a government document that protects an invention.

If a person has a good idea for an invention, they can apply for a patent for it, as long as the idea is new. Once the government gives them a patent, no one else can copy the idea, design, pattern or object and make money from it.

A patent is a legal right given to an inventor.

  • It prevents others from making, using, or selling the invention without permission.

  • Patents usually last for 20 years from the filing date.

  • To get a patent, the invention must be new, useful, and not obvious.

  • Patents can be for things like machines, processes, or new designs.

  • Once a patent expires, anyone can use the invention freely.

  • Patent applications are reviewed by a government patent office.

Did you know?
The American inventor Thomas Edison applied for as many as 400 patents each year. In his lifetime, he applied for 1093 patents altogether!

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