patentierte

Patentierte is a German term related to patent protection. It can function as an adjective meaning that something is protected by a patent, or as the past tense form of the verb patentieren, meaning “to patent.” As an attributive adjective, patentierte takes endings in accordance with the surrounding article, for example die patentierte Erfindung (the patented invention) or patentierte Technologie (patented technology).

In usage, patentierte generally refers to legal rights granted for an invention. A patent gives the holder exclusive rights to making, using, selling, or licensing the invention for a limited period, typically 20 years from the filing date, subject to payment of maintenance fees. Patent protection is intended to encourage innovation by providing a temporary monopoly in exchange for public disclosure of the invention.

Legal framework and procedure: In Germany, patent protection is governed by the Patentgesetz (Patent Act). Applications are filed with the Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt (DPMA) or via the European Patent Office (EPO) for a European patent, which can be validated in Germany. To be granted, an invention must be novel, involve an inventive step, and be industrially applicable. After examination, a patent is granted, published, and the patentee gains exclusive rights. Enforcement is national, while European patents provide protection in Germany after appropriate validation.

Usage notes: The term patentierte can appear in product descriptions, marketing materials, and legal contexts to indicate patent protection. Ambiguity can arise between the verb form (er patentierte) and the adjective form (patentierte Erfindung), so context usually clarifies meaning.