A patent is an intellectual property right relating to inventions - that is, to advances made in a technical field. A patent for an invention is granted by the government to the applicant, and gives him the right for a limited period to stop others from making, using or selling the invention without permission. In return for this right, the applicant must disclose how his invention works in sufficient detail. When a patent is granted, the applicant becomes the owner of the patent. Like any other form of property, a patent can be bought, sold, licensed or mortgaged. Patents are territorial rights, so a UK patent will only give the owner rights within the United Kingdom and rights to stop others from importing products into the United Kingdom. 


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