Definition
An inventor is a person who contributed to the conception of an invention and is legally entitled to be named on the patent.
Why It Matters Legally
Correctly naming inventors is a legal requirement, and errors can render a patent unenforceable. Inventorship also affects ownership rights, especially when multiple people or companies are involved.
Example Use Case
Two engineers jointly conceive a new device, so both must be named as inventors on the patent application.
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Related Terms
Inventorship, Assignee, Joint Inventors, Patent Application, Ownership