“Patented” refers to the status of a product, process, or invention that has been granted legal protection through the issuance of a patent. A patent is a form of intellectual property that provides exclusive rights to the inventor for a specified period, typically 20 years from the filing date. During this time, the inventor has the exclusive right to make, use, sell, and license the patented invention.
Examples of Patented Inventions:
- Velcro:
- Example: Swiss engineer George de Mestral patented Velcro in 1955. Velcro is a hook-and-loop fastening system used in various applications, including clothing and industrial uses.
- iPhone’s Multi-Touch Interface:
- Example: Apple was granted a patent for the multi-touch interface used in the iPhone, enabling users to interact with the device using gestures like tapping and pinching.
- Post-it Notes:
- Example: 3M holds the patent for Post-it Notes, the popular adhesive notes that can be easily attached and removed from surfaces without leaving a residue.
- Dyson Cyclone Vacuum Cleaner:
- Example: Sir James Dyson holds numerous patents for innovations in vacuum cleaner technology, including the Dyson Cyclone vacuum with cyclonic separation.
- Google’s PageRank Algorithm:
- Example: Larry Page and Sergey Brin patented the PageRank algorithm, which played a crucial role in the development of Google’s search engine.
- Tesla’s Powerwall Battery:
- Example: Tesla holds patents for its Powerwall, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery designed for home energy storage.
- Amazon’s One-Click Purchase System:
- Example: Amazon patented its one-click purchasing system, allowing users to make online purchases with a single click, streamlining the checkout process.
- Medtronic’s Pacemaker Technology:
- Example: Medtronic holds patents for various advancements in pacemaker technology, contributing to the development of more efficient and reliable cardiac devices.
- IBM’s Watson AI System:
- Example: IBM has numerous patents related to its Watson artificial intelligence system, covering aspects of natural language processing, machine learning, and data analytics.
- Crispr-Cas9 Gene Editing Technology:
- Example: Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier are credited with the development of the Crispr-Cas9 gene-editing technology, and their work has been patented.
- Nike’s Air Sole Cushioning:
- Example: Nike holds patents for its Air Sole technology, which involves incorporating air-filled pockets into shoe soles for enhanced cushioning and comfort.
- Microsoft’s Xbox Kinect Sensor:
- Example: Microsoft holds patents for the Kinect sensor technology, which enables users to interact with gaming consoles through motion and voice commands.
- Gilead’s Hepatitis C Drug (Sovaldi):
- Example: Gilead Sciences holds patents for Sovaldi, a breakthrough drug used in the treatment of Hepatitis C.
- SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Rocket Technology:
- Example: SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, holds patents for various aspects of its Falcon 9 rocket technology, contributing to advancements in space exploration.
- 3D Printing Technologies:
- Example: Various companies hold patents for different aspects of 3D printing technologies, covering processes, materials, and applications.
Patents play a crucial role in protecting the intellectual property of inventors and companies, encouraging innovation by granting them exclusive rights to their creations for a limited period.