Legal Definitions - patent-holder

A patent-holder is someone who either has been granted a patent or has succeeded in title to a patent. They are also known as a patentee. The term "patentee" includes all title-holders under the Patent Act.

For example, if John invents a new type of phone and applies for a patent, he becomes the patent-holder or patentee once the patent is granted. If John sells the patent to a company, the company becomes the new patent-holder or patentee.

Another example is if Sarah inherits a patent from her grandfather who was the original patentee. Sarah becomes the new patent-holder or patentee.

These examples illustrate that a patent-holder can be the original grantee or someone who has succeeded in title to the patent through inheritance or purchase.