Definition of a Medical Patent

The term "patent" can take on several different meanings when used in the medical field. It can be used as a noun, adjective, or a verb.

Medical Discoveries

• The most common use of the term "medical patent" denotes a grant by the government that gives sole ownership over an invention/discovery and the exclusive rights to sell, use, and distribute said invention/discovery.

How To Obtain a Patent?

• To obtain a medical patent you must fill out the required applications provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. You will then be directed through the application process.

What Things are Eligible for Medical Patents?

• There are several things that can be considered medical patents, including: new surgical procedures, newly developed drugs/medicine, new medical devices, and biological discoveries relating to anatomy.

Consult a Lawyer

• Patent laws can be very confusing. It is often advised that you seek the advice of a patent lawyer to make sure everything proceeds in the proper manner.

To Describe a Bodily State

• The term "patent" is also used in medical jargon to denote something that is unblocked, unobstructed, open, or expanded---such as an artery.