What Does "Patent Pending" Mean (and Can It Protect Inventions)?

The process of applying for and receiving a patent is measured in years, even when expedited. In the meantime, it is only natural for inventors and organizations to seek ways to discourage unauthorized duplication of their creative efforts and lay the groundwork for when their "in-progress" Intellectual Property (IP) rights come to fruition.

Though the expression "patent pending" should be familiar to someone immersed in English-language culture, its exact meaning is often handwaved away. It is important to understand how, when and where these words fit into the patent application process in order to get the most out of the IP framework and avoid any pitfalls.

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