Legal Definitions - inchoate right

Definition: An inchoate right is a right that has not fully developed, matured, or vested. For example, in patents, an inventor's right has not yet vested into a property right because the patent application is pending.

Example: John has an idea for a new invention and files a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Until the USPTO approves the patent application, John's right to the invention is an inchoate right. He has not yet fully developed or matured his right to the invention.

Explanation: The example illustrates how an inchoate right works in the context of patents. Until the patent application is approved, the inventor's right to the invention is not fully developed or matured. This means that the inventor cannot yet enforce their rights against others who may try to use or copy their invention.