Economic Definition of patent. Defined.
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Term patent Definition: The guaranteed ownership and control of an invention, innovation, or production technique by government for a period of time (currently 17 years). A patent gives the owner the exclusive rights to sell, market, license, or otherwise generate revenue from an invention, innovation, or production technique. Patents are designed to encourage inventions and other developments that promote technological advances. However, they are also an entry barrier and lead to market control.
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