patent

(noun): A declaration issued by a government agency declaring someone the inventor of a new invention and having the privilege of stopping others from making, using or selling the claimed invention; a letter patent.
(noun): A specific grant of ownership of a piece of property; a land patent.
(noun): License; formal permission.
(noun): Patent leather: a varnished, high-gloss leather typically used for shoes and accessories.
(verb): To successfully register an invention with a government agency; to secure a letter patent.