What is granted to an inventor to make, use, and sell an invention?

A patent is a legal right granted to an inventor that allows them to exclusively make, use, and sell their invention for a specified period, typically 20 years from the filing date. The purpose of a patent is to encourage innovation by providing inventors with a temporary monopoly on their creation, giving them the opportunity to recoup their investment in research and development.

This exclusive right also ensures that inventors can benefit from their inventions without the fear of others copying or profiting from their work without permission. Patents are crucial in fields where inventions can lead to significant technological advances, as they incentivize creators to share their knowledge with the public once the patent expires.

Other choices, such as trademarks and copyrights, serve different functions. Trademarks protect brand names and logos, while copyrights cover original works of authorship, like literature and art. A license might permit someone else to use a patented invention, but it does not grant the inventor's exclusive rights to their own creation. Understanding these distinctions is key to grasping the broader intellectual property landscape.