A patent gives the patent owner the right to EXCLUDE others from making, using, and selling what is covered by their patent claims. A holder of a prior patent still in force with broader claims may prevent the inventor whose patent has narrower claims from using the inventor's own patent. Therefore, patent right is exclusory only. A patent is a property right granted by a state government to an inventor to EXCLUDE others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling the invention or importing the invention for a limited time in exchange for public disclosure of the invention. |
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