patents

Definition of patentsnext
plural of patent

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of patents Viture further claims similar patents have have been rejected in China, and that Xreal’s patent adds only minor, appearance-level changes rather than true optical innovation. Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026 After all, patents do temporarily block rival companies from introducing copycat products to compete against the earlier inventor and patent holder. David J. Kappos, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026 For example, if prior art reveals that a new combination therapy improves treatment outcomes, officials may deem subsequent patents using the same drug cocktail as obvious and refuse to grant or enforce the patent. Lucy Xiaolu Wang, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patents
Noun
  • The plaintiff, Shaun Gray, is now facing potential liability for allegedly defrauding the studio and infringing on its copyrights.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 9 Jan. 2026
  • And celebrities with valuable intellectual property rights, such as copyrights from the Reiners’ many film and television properties, tend to establish trusts.
    Naomi Cahn, The Conversation, 22 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Teitsworth said the Honnold Foundation distributed over $4 million in grants last year and that Honnold is still involved with its work, keeping a board seat and providing financial assistance.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Other funding has come from county grants.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Eras Tour ringleader has built an expansive intellectual property portfolio with 175 live trademarks.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The store started the process of registering trademarks in 2000, but their website states that 2012 was Blind Date With a Book’s official first year.
    Jess deCourcy Hinds February 13, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The district judge declined her jurisdictional prerogatives, saying that the case was too serious to be settled in a magistrates’ court and must be heard by a Crown Court, which deals with the most severe criminal offenses.
    Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
  • That goal neatly aligns with the record industry’s shifting prerogatives.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Patents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patents. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

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