The phrase "patent pending" is commonly used to indicate that an invention or innovation has been submitted for a patent application but has not yet been granted. The IPA transcription for "patent pending" is /ˈpeɪtənt ˈpɛndɪŋ/. The word "patent" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, and the "a" is pronounced as a long "a" sound. "Pending" has the stress on the second syllable, and the "e" is pronounced as a short "e" sound. Together, the two words form a common phrase that is easily recognizable in the world of patents and intellectual property.
The term "patent pending" refers to the legal status of an invention or innovation that has been submitted to a government or patent office for examination and potential granting of a patent. It serves as notice to the public that an inventor or applicant has filed a patent application which is pending review.
When an inventor or company has successfully applied for patent protection but is awaiting a decision from the patent office, they can use the term "patent pending" to alert others that they have claimed exclusive rights to the invention and are in the process of obtaining legal protection. This phrase is typically used in association with a specific product, design, or concept that the applicant believes to be novel, inventive, and worthy of patent protection.
While the exact process and timeline may vary depending on the jurisdiction, a patent pending status implies that the application has met the basic requirements for filing, including a detailed description of the invention and its claims. It signifies that the inventor has taken steps to secure and protect their innovation, hoping to receive a granted patent that offers legal protection against unauthorized use, manufacture, sale, or distribution of their invention.
It is important to note that "patent pending" does not grant any enforceable rights to the inventor, as the application has not yet been fully examined and approved. Nevertheless, the term serves as a deterrent to potential patent infringers and indicates that the inventor is serious about protecting their intellectual property.
The term "patent pending" is used to indicate that an inventor or applicant has filed a patent application for their invention, but the patent has not yet been granted. This phrase serves as a notice to the public that the invention is in the process of being patented.
The etymology of the term can be broken down as follows:
1. Patent: The word "patent" comes from the Latin word "patens", which means "open" or "accessible". In the context of intellectual property, a patent is a legal grant issued by the government, which gives an inventor exclusive rights to their invention for a certain period.
2. Pending: The term "pending" is derived from the Latin word "pendēre", which means "to hang" or "to be undecided". It refers to something that is awaiting a decision, resolution, or completion.