Definition
Patent pending is a label an inventor may use after filing an application to indicate that protection has been sought but is not yet granted.
Why It Matters Legally
Marking a product patent pending warns competitors that rights may soon attach, which can deter copying. It does not grant enforceable rights yet, but it can support later claims for damages once the patent issues.
Example Use Case
A startup labels its new gadget patent pending after filing a provisional application to discourage competitors from copying it during examination.
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Related Terms
Provisional Application, Non-Provisional Application, Patent Application, Patent Grant, Priority Date