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 next three points argue for limitations to patents and copyrights.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026
  • This song has already been a hit with me, this is in my publishing company and this is obviously going to be one of my most important copyrights.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Founded to democratize access to resources from the modern film industry, Decentralized Pictures has already awarded more than $1 million in grants and support to indie filmmakers.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Best Friends Animal Society, which receives 51 percent of the voting proceeds, is giving $337,000 in grants to 117 shelters and rescues whose adoptable or alumni pets received the most votes.
    Liz Gray, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Reports claiming Harry and Meghan have taken steps to secure their children’s names across trademarks came after the Duchess of Sussex's lifestyle line announced a Mother's Day collection that included tributes to her children.
    Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The deal, announced Tuesday, transfers all trademarks and associated rights of the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown from the Stronach Group (doing business as 1/ST) to Churchill Downs ($CHDN).
    Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Some of the players involved said Lurie is still trying to figure out how to balance competing prerogatives without damaging his relationships.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Surprise, surprise, JPMorgan Chase and other big banks survived this outrageous assault upon their prerogatives.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Patents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patents. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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