can be patented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be patented" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or technical contexts to indicate that an invention or idea meets the criteria for patentability. Example: "This innovative design can be patented, as it fulfills all the necessary requirements set by the patent office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The justices held that only synthetic DNA can be patented.

The Economist

As a result of a law passed by Congress in 1930, trees can be patented.

The New Yorker

The biotech industry operates on the premise of protection of their product, something that can be patented.

The New York Times

While the combinations themselves can be patented, legal challenges could arise if the combination is deemed too obvious.

The New York Times

The core question of the case was seemingly technical: Are isolated, naturally occurring genes something that can be patented?

The New York Times

From the firm's point of view, an equally important benefit is that synthetic viruses can be patented.

The Economist

The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to take up the highly charged question of whether human genes can be patented.

The New York Times

The Supreme Court is poised to take up the highly charged question of whether human genes can be patented.

The New York Times

The other case, involving a breast cancer risk test from Myriad Genetics, will determine whether human genes can be patented.

The New York Times

Selection invention essentially means that an individual compound from one group can be patented again if more is learned about its unique characteristics.

The New York Times

Stuart Elliott: Advertising [C6.] Europe Delays Vote on Patent Law European governments have delayed voting on a proposed law that would define which innovations can be patented.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing inventions, use “can be patented” to indicate that the invention meets the legal requirements for patentability, implying novelty, non-obviousness, and utility.

Common error

Don't assume everything novel “can be patented”. Ensure the invention also meets criteria like non-obviousness and proper disclosure before stating it can be patented.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “can be patented” functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a subject meets the criteria for obtaining a patent. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “can be patented” is a common and grammatically correct way to express that an invention or idea meets the requirements for patent protection. As Ludwig demonstrates, this phrase is widely used in news, science, and formal business contexts. It’s important to understand that while novelty is a key factor, other criteria like non-obviousness and proper disclosure are also crucial for determining if something “can be patented”. Remember to avoid broad generalizations and consider all relevant factors before asserting patentability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is patentable

This alternative is a more concise way of saying something meets the requirements for a patent.

qualifies for a patent

This alternative emphasizes that the subject fulfills the necessary criteria to receive a patent.

is eligible for patent protection

This alternative highlights the availability of legal safeguards for the invention.

can receive patent approval

This alternative focuses on the outcome of the patent application process.

can secure a patent

This alternative puts emphasis on the action of obtaining patent rights.

is protectable by patent

This option focuses on the type of protection available.

is subject to patenting

This alternative highlights the possibility of patenting under relevant laws.

patent rights can be obtained

This version describes the possibility of acquiring patent rights.

patent application can be filed

This alternative shifts focus to the action of initiating the patent process.

is amenable to patenting

This alternative suggests the suitability of an invention for being patented.

FAQs

What does it mean when something “can be patented”?

When something “can be patented”, it means it meets the legal requirements for patentability, including being novel, non-obvious, and useful. This allows the inventor to exclude others from making, using, or selling the invention for a set period.

What are some alternatives to saying “can be patented”?

You can use alternatives such as "is patentable", "qualifies for a patent", or "is eligible for patent protection" depending on the context.

What kind of inventions “can be patented”?

Generally, new and useful inventions, such as processes, machines, manufactures, and compositions of matter, “can be patented”. Abstract ideas, laws of nature, and physical phenomena typically cannot.

How do courts determine what “can be patented”?

Courts evaluate patent eligibility based on established legal precedents, considering factors like novelty, non-obviousness, and whether the invention is an abstract idea or a natural phenomenon. The Supreme Court has set forth specific tests for determining patent eligibility.