Patent vs. Patten

Whether it is in the news or a television commercial, almost everyone has heard the word “patent” mentioned at some point in their lives. Patents are an important component in the intellectual and technological progress of our society. However, the word patent is actually a frequently misspelled word since it does not necessarily sound exactly how it looks when written on paper.  Many people have a tendency to misspell the word as “patten”.  However, there are instances when this is actually the correct spelling.

Inventor Tip:

Registering your idea early could be vital to keeping your rights. Sometimes it's a race to the patent office, as was the case with the telephone with two patents being filed the very same day. Do you even know the name of the OTHER guy?

Patten University

One such example is Patten University, a small, Christian university located in the San Fransisco bay area.  While some people may think that this refers to a school for those who wish to study inventing, the university is actually named after its founders.

Patten Shoes

This term also refers to a type of protective overshoe that was commonly worn in the middle ages to keep the wearer’s shoes and feet clean.  Since paved roads did not exist back then, men and women needed a way to raise their feet above dirt and mud. The solution at the time was the invention of these useful overshoes.

Patten Industries, Inc.

Another instance where this common “patent misnomer” is correctly used is in the name of a large company from the U.S. Midwest area.  The company manufactures various construction related products. According to their website, the company has been selling construction equipment in and around the Chicago area since 1933.

Baron Patten of Barnes

Yet another well known use of the term is in the name of Christopher Francis Patten, a prominent resident of British Columbia.  He has held many noteworthy and notable offices throughout the years including a term in the House of Parliament. Today he maintains a position in the United Kingdom as the Chancellor of the well known University of Oxford.

Wrap-Up

As one can tell from the above evidence, the word “patten” has had its proper uses throughout time. However, if you are seeking to be granted rights and protection for an invention idea, you want to look for the United States Patent and Trademark Office. A search for the Patten Office won’t help you much in this regards, although you might pick up a thing or two about antique overshoes, California based universities, construction equipment, or the University of Oxford instead!