short-term patent
nounUK /ˌʃɔːt tɜːm ˈpeɪtnt/
US /ˌʃɔːrt tɜːrm ˈpætnt/
A short-term patent is a quick, simple patent that protects an invention for a few years.
She filed a short-term patent for her new bottle cap design.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A patent granted for a shorter period than a standard patent, often with less examination.
The short-term patent lasted six years before it expired.
3. A fast-track patent used to get quick legal protection for a small invention.
He chose a short-term patent to protect his gadget quickly.
4. A type of patent common in some countries for simple mechanical devices.
In that country, short-term patents are popular for small tools.