Legal Definitions - patentable

PATENTABLE

Patentable is an adjective that describes something that is capable of being patented. This means that it meets the requirements for obtaining a patent, which is a legal protection granted to inventors for their new and useful inventions.

• A new machine that performs a unique function is patentable.
• A chemical compound that has never been discovered before and has potential medical uses is patentable.
• A work of art or a piece of music is not patentable, as it is not considered an invention.

The examples illustrate the definition by showing what types of things can and cannot be patented. In order to be patentable, something must be a new and useful invention, such as a machine or a chemical compound. However, things like works of art or music are not considered inventions and therefore cannot be patented.