letters patent

plural noun

, Law.

1. a written or printed instrument issued by a sovereign power, conferring upon a patentee some right, as the exclusive right to land or the exclusive right to make, use, and sell an invention for a limited time.

letters patent

plural noun

1. See patent

Word History and Origins

Origin of letters patent¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

The inventor must apply to the commissioner of patents for letters patent which secure to him his invention.

From Project Gutenberg

Shower undertook to prove that the letters patent to which Somers had put the Great Seal were illegal.

From Project Gutenberg

But, in spite of the King's letters patent, the history of Cambridge printing for nearly fifty years is a blank.

From Project Gutenberg

Letters patent were made out to this effect, the appointment being however expressly during the king's pleasure.

From Project Gutenberg

The act was to be in force during the term granted by their majesties letters patent to Thomas Neale.

From Project Gutenberg