A U.S. patent gives the inventor or patent owner the right to exclude others from making, using, selling, offering to sell, or importing the invention. A patent does not provide the inventor with an absolute right to manufacture or use an invention. For example, an invention that is an improvement of an invention patented by another does not give the improvement’s inventor the right to make, use, or sell the entire invention. In such cases it may be necessary to obtain a license from the owner of the basic or “dominant” patent encompassing the invention.
To find out more please access our IP Primer page.
Take Note
This document is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. You should not act or rely on any information in this document
without first seeking legal advice. This material is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you
have any specific questions on any legal matter, you should consult a professional legal services provider.