What is the purpose of a patent?

The purpose of a patent is to protect original ideas and inventions. When an inventor creates something new, such as a product or process, obtaining a patent grants them exclusive rights to use, manufacture, and sell their invention for a specific period of time, generally 20 years from the filing date. This exclusivity encourages innovation by giving inventors the security and financial incentive to invest time, resources, and effort into developing their ideas, knowing they can reap the benefits without competition during the patent period.

Patents are fundamental to the system of intellectual property as they ensure that the creators can control their inventions and prevent others from using them without permission, promoting investment in research and advancement of technology. This is a crucial element in fostering innovation within various industries. The other options do not accurately represent the primary goal of patents, as they focus on aspects like public access or collaboration, which are not the central function of patent law.