PATENTS Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

patents

noun

plural of patent

as in copyrights

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as in grants

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of patents In the United States, meanwhile, dozens of patents should keep Wegovy generics off the market until 2039, said professor Robin Feldman, a patent expert at the University of California Law-San Francisco. — Elisabeth Rosenthal, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026 Viture further claims similar patents have have been rejected in China, and that Xreal’s patent adds only minor, appearance-level changes rather than true optical innovation. — Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026 After all, patents do temporarily block rival companies from introducing copycat products to compete against the earlier inventor and patent holder. — David J. Kappos, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026 For example, if prior art reveals that a new combination therapy improves treatment outcomes, officials may deem subsequent patents using the same drug cocktail as obvious and refuse to grant or enforce the patent. — Lucy Xiaolu Wang, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for patents

Noun

This includes copyrights, which protect creative works, such as songs and recordings, including Parton’s catalog of hits.

— Naomi Cahn, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026
Birkenstock has scored yet another legal victory in its efforts to protect its copyrights.

— Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of copyrights

Noun

The hack has not affected disbursement or eligibility of grants or scholarships administered through the website, according to the department.

— Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
Researchers pursuing large grants need help preparing proposals, managing awards, navigating compliance requirements and coordinating with other institutions.

— Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of grants

Noun

In many cases, athletes and celebrities file trademarks merely for brand protection as opposed to a business opportunity.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Officers at Indianapolis’ express consignment facility also intercepted 96 counterfeit watches bearing Swatch, Audemars Piguet and Rolex trademarks on July 30.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of trademarks

Noun

The evening was beautiful, strange, and so far removed from the prerogatives of retail as to suggest that its entire purpose was not to have one.

— Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
But my ultimate loyalty rests with the Constitution, which gives certain prerogatives to Congress.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of prerogatives

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patent medicines

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“Patents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patents. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of patents

noun

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