Patent share refers to the proportionate ownership or equity interest that an individual or entity holds in a patent. A patent is an exclusive right granted by a government to an inventor or assignee, giving them the legal authority to exclude others from making, using, or selling their invention for a specified period. Patent share indicates the specific stake or percentage of ownership that an individual or company has in that exclusive right.
Patent sharing commonly occurs in situations where multiple inventors collaborate on an invention or when an inventor assigns their patent rights to an organization or investor. In such cases, the patent share represents the specific portion of rights and benefits that each person or entity is entitled to, based on their contribution or agreement.
Determining the patent share often involves evaluating factors such as the level of inventiveness, the extent of contribution, financial investments, and agreements between parties involved. The patent share can be outlined in legal contracts, licensing agreements, or other documentation that governs the intellectual property rights associated with the invention.
Patent sharing is significant as it allows individuals or organizations to collaborate effectively, providing incentives for innovation and creativity. It also ensures that each party involved receives a fair and proportionate share of the benefits and rewards that may arise from the patented invention, including licensing fees, royalties, or the ability to commercialize the invention in the market.
The etymology of the word "PATENT SHARE" can be broken down as follows:
1. Patent: The word "patent" derives from the Latin term "patentem" (noun form of "patens"), which means "open, exposed" or "lying open". In medieval Latin, "letters patent" (literally, "open letters") referred to official documents issued by the government that were open for public inspection.
2. Share: The word "share" originates from the Old English term "scearu", which denotes a part or portion. It can also be traced back to the Proto-Germanic root "sker-" meaning "to cut" or "divide", indicating the idea of dividing something into parts.
Combining these two words, "patent share" refers to the division or allocation of a patent or its rights among multiple parties.