patent
The Spanish word 'patente' has a variety of meanings in English context. Its most common translations include 'patent', 'evident', or 'obvious', depending on the context. For instance, it may refer to a government authority or license conferring a right or title for a set period, especially the sole right to exclude others from making, using, or selling an invention (i.e., 'patent'). An additional usage may suggest something readily visible or understood (i.e., 'obvious' or 'evident').
The patent of this car is old
In this case, 'patente' refers to the patent of the car. The expression 'La patente de este coche es vieja' translates to 'The patent of this car is old', meaning that the technology or design of the car is no longer novel.
The company has decided to renew its patent
Here, 'patente' is used in the context of intellectual property rights. The phrase translates to 'The company has decided to renew its patent', indicating that a company has chosen to extend the duration of its exclusive rights over a particular invention or technology.
This medicine no longer has patent
In this phrase, 'patente' is used to refer to the exclusive rights granted to an inventor or manufacturer for a certain period of time. 'Esta medicina ya no tiene patente' translates to 'This medicine no longer has a patent', meaning that the exclusive rights to produce the medicine have expired, and hence other manufacturers can now produce the same medicine.