The phrase "under patent" refers to a product or invention that is protected by a legal patent. Its spelling can be broken down into individual phonemes using IPA transcription as /ˈʌndər ˈpeɪtnt/. The first syllable "un" is pronounced with a schwa sound, the second syllable "der" is pronounced with a short /ɛ/ sound, followed by the final syllable "patent" which is pronounced with a long /eɪ/ sound and a glottal stop at the end. This spelling helps to ensure proper communication and understanding of the legal status of an invention.
"Under patent" refers to a legal protection that grants exclusive rights to the inventor of an invention or the owner of a unique process or design. A patent is a legally recognized agreement between the inventor and the government, which allows the inventor to prevent others from making, using, selling, or importing the patented invention without their consent for a limited period of time.
When a creation is "under patent," it means that the invention is protected by a patent and others are prohibited from using, replicating, or benefiting from the invention without obtaining proper authorization or licensing from the patent owner. The patent provides the inventor or owner with a monopoly over the invention, allowing them to prevent competitors from entering the market with similar products or processes.
The duration of a patent is typically set by the governing patent office, and it varies depending on the type of invention and the country in which it is filed. Generally, most patents have a validity period of 20 years from the date of filing.
Additionally, having an invention "under patent" can provide the patent owner with additional benefits such as the ability to monetize their intellectual property by licensing it to other entities, using it as collateral for loans, or selling the rights to the invention outright.
In summary, when an invention or process is described as being "under patent," it indicates that it is protected by a legally recognized patent, granting exclusive rights to the inventor or owner for a specified period of time.
The phrase "under patent" does not have a specific etymology, as it is simply a combination of the words "under" and "patent". However, the word "patent" itself has an interesting etymology.
The term "patent" originates from the Latin word "patens", which means "open" or "lying open". In Medieval Latin, "patentum" referred to a government document granting exclusive rights or privileges to an individual or organization. It derived from the Latin verb "patēre", meaning "to be open" or "to be accessible".
The concept of patents as exclusive rights and legal protection for inventions can be traced back to the 15th century in Europe. These early patents were often granted by monarchs to reward inventors or encourage technological advancements.