Patent Pending
/ˈpætn̩t ˈpɛndɪŋ/
Definitions
- (adj.) Indicating that a patent application has been filed but not yet granted, giving provisional legal notice.
The product label displayed 'patent pending' to warn competitors of an impending patent.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term 'patent pending' serves as a legal notice and does not confer enforceable patent rights until the patent is granted. Proper use can deter infringement but must be accurate to avoid legal penalties.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.