patent
noun
the exclusive right granted by a government to an inventor to manufacture, use, or sell an invention for a certain number of years.
has been patenting
-
present perfect progressiveof patent (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
About 30 claims have been granted to a man named Eugene Gagliardi Jr., who over the last three decades has been patenting procedures for making beef rounds, chuck rolls, infant-friendly hot dogs, and more.
From Slate ● Jun. 21, 2012
