Learn about intellectual property, how to protect yours, and how to legally and ethically use others'. Includes relevant Whittemore Library and OA resources.
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Patents are...
A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention. Generally speaking, a patent provides the patent owner with the right to decide how - or whether - the invention can be used by others. In exchange for this right, the patent owner makes technical information about the invention publicly available in the published patent document.