What does a patent do?

A patent grants an inventor exclusive rights to their invention, which means that the inventor has the sole authority to make, use, sell, or distribute the invention for a certain period of time, typically 20 years from the filing date in most jurisdictions. This exclusivity is intended to encourage innovation by providing inventors with the opportunity to benefit commercially from their creations without the threat of competition from others who might copy their ideas. By protecting intellectual property, patents help stimulate advancements in technology and industry, enabling inventors to recoup their investments in research and development.

The other options do not accurately represent the function of a patent. For instance, while trademarks protect brands and logos, they are distinct from patents, which specifically cover inventions and processes. Similarly, categorizing products for market segmentation relates to marketing strategies rather than legal protections for inventions. Lastly, patents do not regulate pricing strategies; they distinctly provide the right to exclude others from using the patented invention but do not enforce how those inventions are priced in the market.