Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Mastering Your Certification!

A patent grants the inventor exclusive rights to make, use, or sell their invention for a limited period, typically 20 years from the filing date. This exclusivity allows the inventor to capitalize on their creation without the fear of direct competition exploiting the same invention during the patent term. It incentivizes innovation by ensuring that inventors can reap the benefits of their work before the invention enters the public domain, at which point anyone can use the previously patented technology without infringing on the patent.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the benefits of a patent. For instance, holding a patent does not guarantee indefinite rights to use the invention; rather, it is the exclusivity for a limited time that is central to a patent's purpose. Similarly, while a patent provides certain protections, it does not shield the inventor against all forms of competition, as competitors can create alternative solutions or improvements. Lastly, a patent does not serve as a license to operate within a market, since it pertains mainly to the specific invention rather than broader market access.