Patent

A patent is an official right given by a government to an inventor for a new idea, product, or process. It gives the inventor the power to decide who can make, use, or sell their invention for a limited period, usually about 20 years. After this period ends, anyone can use the invention freely. The goal of patents is to protect new ideas and encourage innovation by giving inventors time to benefit from their work.

To receive a patent, an inventor must apply to a government agency, such as the united-states Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or the European Patent Office (EPO). The invention must meet certain requirements—it must be new, useful, and not obvious to others skilled in the same field. The inventor must also describe in detail how the invention works so that others can understand it once the patent expires. This allows knowledge to spread while protecting the inventor’s rights.

There are several types of patents. A utility patent covers new and useful machines, tools, or processes, such as an engine design or a computer program. A design patent protects the unique appearance or shape of a product, such as the look of a smartphone or a shoe. A plant patent is for new kinds of plants grown through special methods. Each type of patent helps protect different kinds of creativity and invention.

Patents are part of intellectual property, which also includes copyrights and trademarks. While a copyright protects creative works like books or music, and a trademark protects brand names or logos, a patent protects inventions and ideas that can be used or built. This system helps inventors and companies share ideas while keeping fair control over their creations.

When someone uses an invention without the inventor’s permission, it is called patent infringement. The inventor or company that owns the patent can take legal action to stop others from using the invention. However, patents only protect ideas in the countries where they are granted. To have worldwide protection, inventors must apply in multiple regions.

Patents have played a major role in science, technology, and everyday life. Many famous inventions, such as the telephone, the light bulb, and modern medicines, were once protected by patents. By encouraging people to develop and share new ideas, the patent system continues to help shape how technology grows and benefits society.