Patented
ˈpætəntɪd
Definitions
2 meaningsProtected by a patent; officially recognized as the exclusive right to make, use, or sell an invention for a specified period.
ˈpætəntɪd
Protected by a patent
The patented system improved the efficiency of the manufacturing process.
💡 Simply: Imagine you invent a cool new gadget, and the government says only YOU can make and sell it. That gadget is patented! It's like having a special shield around your idea so no one else can copy it.
👶 For kids: If something is patented, it means someone invented it and the government said they get to be the only one who can make or sell it.
More Examples
He designed a patented device that revolutionised the industry.
The company is seeking to protect its innovations with patented products.
How It's Used
"The company's patented technology gave them a significant competitive advantage."
"The patented design was a key element in the lawsuit."
Past tense and past participle of the verb 'to patent'; to secure a patent for something.
ˈpætəntɪd
Having been granted a patent
The new process was patented last year.
💡 Simply: Like getting a certificate for your special idea! Someone *patented* their invention, they got a legal paper saying it's theirs and nobody else can copy it. The paper is now proof that the invention has been patented.
👶 For kids: If someone has patented an idea, it means they got permission to be the only one to use that idea or invention!
More Examples
The engineer patented his new design to protect his intellectual property.
After months of research, his discovery was finally patented.
How It's Used
"The invention was patented after a long application process."
"The inventor had the idea patented so that no one could copy it."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From Middle English *patenten* (to license), from Old French *patent* (open, apparent), from Latin *patens* (open, exposed), the present participle of *patēre* (to be open).
Historically, 'patent' comes from the concept of 'letters patent' – open documents, publicly displayed, issued by a monarch, granting a privilege or right.
Memory tip
Think of a sign posted 'PATENTED' – only the inventor can use it.
Word Origin
"to lie open"