das  Patent

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/paˈtɛnt/

💡 What exactly is a Patent?

Das Patent (noun, neuter) refers to a government-granted protective right (Schutzrecht) for an invention (Erfindung). It grants the owner the exclusive right to commercially use, produce, sell, or license the invention for a specific period. In return, the invention is published.

There is only this one main meaning for das Patent. It is always used with the article 'das'.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Das Patent

Das Patent is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum). Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

• Das Unternehmen hat ein neues Patent angemeldet. (The company has applied for a new patent.)
• Der Schutz dieses Patentes läuft bald aus. (The protection of this patent expires soon.)
• Mit diesem Patent sichern wir uns einen Marktvorteil. (With this patent, we secure a market advantage.)
• Die Firma hält viele wichtige Patente in der Biotechnologie. (The company holds many important patents in biotechnology.)

🔧 How to Use 'das Patent' Correctly

Das Patent is primarily used in the context of inventions (Erfindungen), technology (Technik), law (Recht), and business/economy (Wirtschaft).

• Application/Granting: One meldet ein Patent an (applies for a patent at the Patentamt - patent office) or erhält ein Patent (receives a patent).
• Protection: A patent provides rechtlichen Schutz (legal protection) for an invention.
• Infringement: If someone uses the invention without permission, it constitutes Patentverletzung (patent infringement).
• Licensing: The owner can grant others a Lizenz (license) to use the patent.

Related verbs are patentieren (to patent something) and patentieren lassen (to have something patented).

⚠️ Don't confuse das Patent with der Patient (patient, sick person).

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Patent'

1. Article Mnemonic: Think of das Recht (the right). A Patent is a right. Both words end similarly and are neuter. Alternatively, imagine an invention is like a small, neutral thing -> das Ding (the thing) -> das Patent.
2. Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine an inventor standing as a godfather (Pate in German) for their invention, protecting it. He is the 'Pate' of his idea -> Patent.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Related Terms:

• Das Gebrauchsmuster: Utility model; similar to a patent, but often for smaller inventions with shorter protection duration ('petty patent').
• Das Markenrecht: Trademark law; protects brand names and logos.
• Das Urheberrecht: Copyright law; protects creative works (literature, music, etc.).

😂 A Little Patent Joke

Warum hat der Erfinder seinen Bleistift patentieren lassen?
(Why did the inventor patent his pencil?)

Damit niemand seine Ideen durchstreichen kann!
(So nobody could cross out his ideas!)

📜 Poem about the Patent

Eine Idee, so hell und klar,
(An idea, so bright and clear,)
ein Geistesblitz, wunderbar.
(A flash of genius, wonderful.)
Damit sie bleibt allein dein Hort,
(So that it remains your hoard alone,)
brauchst du dies Schutzrecht, diesen Ort.
(You need this protective right, this place.)
Das Patent, auf Papier gebracht,
(The patent, put on paper,)
hat über die Idee gewacht.
(Has watched over the idea.)
Für Jahre fest, in Amt und Würden,
(Firm for years, in office and dignity,)
trägt es des Schöpfers Lohn und Bürden.
(It bears the creator's reward and burdens.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Recht, offiziell und stark,
(I am a right, official and strong,)
schütze die Idee im Markt.
(Protect the idea in the market.)
Ich mache Erfinder froh und reich,
(I make inventors happy and rich,)
doch meine Gültigkeit ist nicht für alle Zeit gleich.
(But my validity is not the same forever.)
Man meldet mich beim Amte an,
(One applies for me at the office,)
damit kein anderer es nutzen kann.
(So that no one else can use it.)

What am I? ... Das Patent (The Patent)

🌐 Other Interesting Facts

• Word Origin: The word "Patent" comes from the Latin word "patens" (open, accessible), originally referring to "litterae patentes" (open letters), through which rulers granted privileges.
• Patent Offices: National (e.g., Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt - DPMA) and international authorities (e.g., European Patent Office - EPO) are responsible for granting patents.
• Types: There are different types of patents, e.g., utility patents (Erfindungspatente), design patents (in Germany more like Geschmacksmuster).
• Famous Patents: Famous patents were granted for inventions like the telephone (Bell), the light bulb (Edison), or the printing press (Gutenberg - although technically a privilege).