What are patents?

Patents are a form of legal protection granted to inventors that gives them exclusive rights to make, use, sell, and distribute their inventions for a specified period, typically 20 years from the filing date. This protection encourages innovation by providing inventors a monopoly over their creations, allowing them to recoup their investment in research and development.

In the context of the options provided, the correct choice highlights that patents grant exclusive rights over an extension in terms of novel inventions or functionalities that enhance existing products, leading to advancements in technology and industry. This aligns with the foundational purpose of patents, which is to promote and protect newfound inventions or improvements.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of patents. While some may discuss marketing rights or branding protections, these are associated with trademarks and copyrights, which serve different legal purposes. Patents specifically apply to inventions and innovations, making the right choice representative of their true nature and function in the legal landscape.