What does the term “patent pending” signify?

The term “patent pending” signifies that a patent application has been filed with the patent office but the patent has not yet been granted. This status alerts others that the inventor has taken the necessary legal steps to seek protection for their invention. It serves as a warning that an application is in process, and there may be patent rights associated with the invention once the application is approved. This can deter potential infringers, as they risk facing legal consequences once the patent is granted.

The status does not indicate that a patent has been granted, which would be reflected by different terminology. Similarly, it does not signify that a patent has been rejected or that the invention is in the public domain, as both of those statuses have distinct implications for the protection and rights associated with the invention. "Patent pending" communicates to the public and potential competitors that the invention is being evaluated for patentability, thus creating an expectation of possible rights in the near future.