mini-patent
nounUK /ˈmɪni ˈpeɪtnt/
US /ˈmɪni ˈpætnt/
A mini-patent is a small, simple patent for a little invention.
She got a mini-patent for her new toy design.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A quick, low-cost legal protection for a minor improvement to an existing product.
The company filed a mini-patent for the improved bottle cap.
3. A beginner-friendly certificate given to kids or students for a creative idea.
The science fair gave every student a mini-patent for their project.
4. A short, simplified version of a full patent document.
He read the mini-patent instead of the long legal papers.