What does a patent grant an inventor?

A patent grants an inventor sole rights to their invention for a specified period of time, typically 20 years from the filing date, depending on the type of patent. This exclusivity means that the inventor can prevent others from making, using, selling, or distributing their invention without permission. The purpose of a patent is to encourage innovation by rewarding inventors with the opportunity to profit from their creations, ensuring that they have control over their work.

While other options might involve aspects of working within or alongside the intellectual property ecosystem, they do not accurately represent the core function of a patent. For example, collaboration with other inventors is more related to licensing agreements or partnerships rather than the rights conferred by a patent. Access to government funding for research is not generally granted through a patent; funding mechanisms may vary widely and are often independent of patent status. Exclusive marketing rights to the invention can arise as a result of holding a patent, but the fundamental right a patent provides is about control over the invention itself, aligning specifically with the notion of sole rights.