What are letters patent?
Q: What are letters patent?
A: Letters patent are a type of legal instrument in the form of a published written order issued by a monarch or government. They are generally used for granting an office, right, monopoly, title, or status to a person or corporation.
Q: What can letters patent be used for?
A: Letters patent can be used for the creation of corporations or government offices. They may also be used for the granting of city status or a coat of arms. Additionally, they can be issued for the appointment of representatives of the Crown such as Governors and Governors-General of Commonwealth realms and for creating peers of the realm in the United Kingdom.
Q: How do modern patents differ from letters patent?
A: Modern patents (referred to as utility patents or design patents in US law) grant exclusive rights to an invention (or design in case of design patents). In this case it is essential that the written grant should take form as a public document so other inventors can consult it to avoid infringement and understand how to "practice" the invention or put it into practical use.
Q: What is opposite to letters patent?
A: The opposite to letters patent are letters close which are personal in nature and sealed so that only the recipient can read their contents.
Q: Who is addressed when issuing letters patent?
A: Letters Patent are addressed to a wide audience.
Q: Are there any special requirements when using modern patents?
A: Yes, when using modern patents it is essential that the written grant should take form as a public document so other inventors can consult it to avoid infringement and understand how to "practice" the invention or put it into practical use.
