特許

• Reading: とっきょ
• Romaji: tokkyo
• Kanji breakdown: 特 (toku) — special, unique; 許 (kyo) — permit, allow
• Pronunciation: /tok.kʲo/

Meaning

A patent; an official right granted for an invention, giving exclusive use for a set period.

A noun referring to intellectual property protection for inventions. 特許を取る (to obtain a patent), 特許を出願する (to file a patent application), and 特許侵害 (patent infringement) are key collocations. The 特許庁 is the Japan Patent Office. Also historically used to mean a special licence or privilege granted by authority. In modern usage, overwhelmingly associated with invention and intellectual property.

Examples

1. この技術はすでに特許が取られている。 This technology is already patented.
2. 新しい発明の特許を出願する手続きを始めた。 I started the process of filing a patent application for my new invention.
3. 特許が切れたので他社も同じ製品を作れるようになった。 Now that the patent has expired, other companies can also manufacture the same product.

Usage Guide

Context: law, business, technology, research

Tone: professional

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 特 (toku, special) + 許 (kyo, to permit/allow). Literally 'special permission,' originally referring to an exclusive licence granted by authority, now primarily meaning a patent for inventions.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional