Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
patent failure
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "patent failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a failure that is obvious or clearly evident, often in a context where the failure is significant or noteworthy. Example: "The project was a patent failure, as it did not meet any of the initial goals set by the team."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Science
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
13 human-written examples
Bessen, J. & Meurer, M.J. Patent Failure (Princeton Univ. Press, Princeton, New Jersey, USA, 2008).
Science & Research
Patent Failure presents a wide range of empirical evidence from history, law, and economics.
Academia
He is the co-author of Patent Failure: How Judges, Bureaucrats, and Lawyers Put Innovators at Risk.
News & Media
He is the co-author of "Patent Failure: How Judges, Bureaucrats, and Lawyers Put Innovators at Risk". He is currently writing a new book about technology and jobs.
News & Media
Moving beyond rhetoric, Patent Failure provides the first authoritative and comprehensive look at the economic performance of patents in forty years.
Academia
" Le Journal du Dimanche "The great four-year journey, with a preparation unequalled in the history of French sport, is a patent failure and the analysis of it should spare no one.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
47 human-written examples
This is excellent cover for abandoning old policies that were patent failures or for breaking promises that could never have been kept, regardless of globalisation in either case.
News & Media
The main patent failures were: non-optimal compliance with standard precautions, lack of patients' hand hygiene, blurred job descriptions for hospital cleaning personnel and non-compliance with the safety period between two consecutive dialysis sessions.
In the present series, 2 of the 17 patents were failures because they needed surgery (p = 0.2, Fisher's exact test).
Science
The patent deal's failure led to the ouster of Bristol-Myers's chief executive, Peter R. Dolan, in September.
News & Media
Of the 57 patients, except for 2 patients who died before the end point of the study with patent AVFs, fistula failure was observed only in patients with IH (22 of 44 patients; 50% versus 0%; P < 0.001).
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using the phrase "patent failure", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a systemic issue within the patent system or a specific instance where a patent failed to achieve its intended purpose. A systemic failure suggests a broader problem with the patent process, while a specific failure indicates a particular patent's ineffectiveness.
Common error
Avoid using "patent failure" when referring to a company's overall business failure, unless the failure is directly and demonstrably linked to issues with their patents. Ensure that the connection between the patent system and the negative outcome is clearly established, otherwise, the phrase may be misleading.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "patent failure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered correct and usable. It is used to describe situations where the patent system or a specific patent fails to provide the intended protection or incentive.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Academia
30%
Science
20%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
4%
Wiki
3%
Formal & Business
3%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "patent failure" is a noun phrase used to describe situations where the patent system or a specific patent fails to achieve its intended purpose. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct. It's most commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, be sure to clarify whether you are referring to systemic issues or a specific instance of failure. Related phrases include "patent system breakdown" and "patent ineffectiveness". Common errors involve misinterpreting the scope of the failure, so ensure a clear connection between the patent system and the negative outcome. The examples found in the search results provide a solid foundation for understanding its real-world application.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
patent system breakdown
Focuses on the overall system rather than a specific instance of failure.
patent ineffectiveness
Highlights the lack of utility or impact of patent.
flawed patent system
Emphasizes inherent problems within the patent system itself.
breakdown of patent protection
Emphasizes the weakening or loss of the protection afforded by patents.
patent system deficiency
Points out specific shortcomings or inadequacies.
intellectual property breakdown
Broader term encompassing more than just patents.
patent loophole
Focuses on a specific technicality that undermines the patent system.
ineffective patent
Highlights the lack of utility or impact of a specific patent.
patent flaw
Focuses on particular issues with the patent.
failure to patent
The act of failing to obtain a patent.
FAQs
What does "patent failure" mean in the context of intellectual property?
In the context of intellectual property, "patent failure" refers to instances where the patent system, or a specific patent, fails to achieve its intended goals, such as protecting innovation or incentivizing research and development.
What are some signs of a "patent failure"?
Signs of a "patent failure" can include widespread infringement of a patent, the inability to commercialize an invention despite patent protection, or the use of patents to stifle innovation rather than promote it.
How does a "patent failure" affect businesses and inventors?
A "patent failure" can discourage businesses and inventors from investing in research and development, as it reduces the potential return on investment and undermines the value of intellectual property.
What are some alternative phrases to "patent failure"?
You can use alternatives like "patent system breakdown", "patent ineffectiveness", or "flawed patent system" to describe similar concepts.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested