# patented

/ˈpætəntɪd/ (US) · /pˈeɪtəntɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/patented
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. protected by law

adjective · CEFR B2

protected by a legal document so that only one person or company has the right to make or sell it.

For teachers: protected by a patent, granting the inventor exclusive rights to manufacture, use, or sell an invention for a set period.

- The company uses a patented technology to make their phone screens stronger.
- The pharmaceutical firm holds a patented formula for the drug, preventing competitors from producing a generic version for the next decade.

## Examples

- This patented design prevents the bottle from leaking.
- The company spent years developing the patented technology before launching it.
- Investors were drawn to the startup because its patented algorithm offered a distinct advantage over existing market solutions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.