A patent is a legal document that grants exclusive rights to inventors for their inventions. It provides inventors with the exclusive authority to make, use, and sell their invention for a specified period. Patents are granted by government authorities to encourage innovation by offering inventors protection for their novel and useful creations.
Imagine an individual devises a groundbreaking technology, such as a new type of smartphone with innovative features. Upon obtaining a patent for this invention, the individual gains exclusive rights to produce, use, and sell the smartphone, preventing others from replicating or profiting from the invention without permission.
In essence, a patent serves as a safeguard for inventors, ensuring that their inventive ideas are protected from unauthorized use or exploitation by others. It not only encourages inventors to disclose their creations to the public but also fosters innovation by providing a temporary monopoly as a reward for their inventive efforts.