nonpatented
1
5.3
- adjective
- /nɒnˈpætəntɪd/
- Since the new design is nonpatented, other manufacturers can freely use it without infringing on any rights.
Examples
-
Under an older and now discredited view, an arrangement tying the sale of a nonpatented product to a patented product (where there was a legal monopoly) was assumed to be an effort to extend the monopoly illegally to the nonpatented item.
Academic text (1997) -
"When he saw my expression, he said defensively, 'It's common practice to withhold nonpatented assemblies from such presentations until they've been protected.' 'Will your device work without it?'"
Fiction book (1991) -
Under an older and now discredited view, an arrangement tying the sale of a nonpatented product to a patented product (where there was a legal monopoly) was assumed to be an effort to extend the monopoly illegally to the nonpatented item.
Academic text (1997) -
Many products are nonpatented, allowing anyone to manufacture and sell them without legal restrictions.
-
The company decided to release its nonpatented technologies to promote innovation among smaller startups.
Synonyms
1
6.1
Not protected by a patent so other people can copy it
Antonyms
- Specialized
46
5.1
The government gives one person or company the only right to control its use
How Patent-Protected
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Nonpatented combines non- meaning 'not' with patent, a legal right that makes an invention 'official' and stops others using it without permission. So, nonpatented means 'not protected by a patent', which is why other people or companies can freely use the idea.