patentado

Patented, in Spanish "patentado", is an adjective used to describe an invention, process, product or design that has been granted a patent by a government authority. The corresponding noun is "patente". A patent provides the holder with exclusive rights to prevent others from making, using, selling, offering for sale or importing the patented invention within the territory of the patent grant. These rights are typically time-limited, commonly 20 years from the filing date, and subject to the payment of maintenance fees. Because patents are territorial, protection must be sought separately in each jurisdiction.

To become patentado, an application must be filed with a national or regional patent office. The invention is examined for criteria such as novelty, inventive step (non-obviousness), and industrial applicability. The process may include publication, examination reports, and potential oppositions. Once granted, the patent owner can license or assign the rights and may enforce them through legal action against infringers.

Patents can expire, be revoked or be challenged if they fail to meet requirements, if maintenance fees lapse, or if prior art undermines validity. They do not guarantee freedom to operate in all contexts, as other laws or patents may constrain use. The term and conditions of patent protection vary by jurisdiction, but the concept of patentado is widely understood in Spanish-speaking countries.