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.
patenting
-
present participleof patent.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
Knight had to go to court to fight a former work colleague, Charles Annan, from patenting the idea himself.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 9, 2026
In his spare time, he enjoys inventing and patenting original ideas.
From New York Times ● Apr. 15, 2024
The Federal Trade Commission is investigating anti-competitive action by leading benefit managers, as well as drug company patenting tricks that slow the entry of cheaper drugs to the market.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 20, 2024
But manufacturers have long tweaked the delivery methods, patenting the changes, in ways that sometimes make the drugs more convenient to administer.
From Salon ● Feb. 2, 2024
Among other things, scientists involved in the case claim that the practice of gene patenting has inhibited their research, and they aim to stop it.
From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot
