zhuānlì: 专利 - Patent [The Contextual Chinese Dictionary]

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====== zhuānlì: 专利 - Patent ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **Keywords:** patent in Chinese, 专利, zhuanli, how to say patent in Chinese, Chinese intellectual property, China patent law, apply for a patent, 申请专利, invention patent, 发明专利, business Chinese
  * **Summary:** Discover the meaning of **专利 (zhuānlì)**, the essential Chinese word for "patent." This guide explains its cultural significance in China's booming tech and business sectors, how to use it in conversation, and common phrases like **申请专利 (shēnqǐng zhuānlì)**, meaning "to apply for a patent." Whether you're in business, tech, or law, understanding **专利** is key to navigating modern China's intellectual property landscape.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** zhuānlì
  * **Part of Speech:** Noun
  * **HSK Level:** HSK 5
  * **Concise Definition:** An exclusive legal right granted to an inventor for an invention.
  * **In a Nutshell:** **专利 (zhuānlì)** is the direct equivalent of the English word "patent." It represents the legal protection given to an inventor, granting them a temporary monopoly on their creation. Think of it as a government-certified "exclusive right" to profit from a new idea or technology. In today's China, a country at the forefront of technological innovation, **专利** is a high-frequency word in business, law, and tech news.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **专 (zhuān):** This character means "exclusive," "specialized," or "concentrated." It suggests something dedicated to a single person, entity, or purpose.
  * **利 (lì):** This character means "benefit," "profit," or "advantage." The character originally depicted a stalk of grain (禾) being harvested with a knife (刂), symbolizing a gain or harvest.
  * **How they combine:** Together, **专 (zhuān)** and **利 (lì)** form a literal and powerful meaning: "exclusive benefit" or "specialized profit." This perfectly captures the concept of a patent—the exclusive right to benefit from one's invention.
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
Historically, the concept of individual intellectual property wasn't as prominent in China's collectivist-oriented culture as it was in the West. Ideas and creations were often seen as part of a shared cultural heritage. However, this has dramatically changed in the 21st century.
With its economic transformation and ambition to become a global technology leader (e.g., the "Made in China 2025" initiative), China has placed enormous emphasis on **专利**. The government now heavily incentivizes and promotes patent applications as a measure of national innovative strength and economic competitiveness.
The Western concept of a patent is deeply rooted in a long history of protecting individual rights. In modern China, the push for **专利** is often more pragmatic and state-driven, viewed as a critical tool for corporate strategy and national development. It's less about the "lone genius" inventor and more about a company or the nation's portfolio of intellectual property assets. For any business operating in or with China, understanding the seriousness and strategic importance of **专利** is non-negotiable.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
**专利 (zhuānlì)** is a formal and technical term. You'll encounter it most frequently in the following contexts:
  * **Business and Law:** In contracts, legal disputes, negotiations, and corporate reports.
  * **Technology News:** When discussing companies like Huawei, DJI, or Tencent, their patent portfolios (专利组合) are often a key topic.
  * **Common Phrases:**
    * **申请专利 (shēnqǐng zhuānlì):** To apply for a patent. This is the most common verb-object collocation.
    * **获得专利 (huòdé zhuānlì):** To obtain/be granted a patent.
    * **侵犯专利 (qīnfàn zhuānlì):** To infringe on a patent.
    * **专利法 (zhuānlì fǎ):** Patent law.
    * **发明专利 (fāmíng zhuānlì):** Invention patent (the highest level, for new and significant inventions).
    * **实用新型专利 (shíyòng xīnxíng zhuānlì):** Utility model patent (for minor improvements or new shapes/structures).
    * **外观设计专利 (wàiguān shèjì zhuānlì):** Design patent (for the aesthetic design of a product).
===== Example Sentences =====
  * **Example 1:**
    * 我们公司为这项新技术申请了**专利**。
    * Pinyin: Wǒmen gōngsī wèi zhè xiàng xīn jìshù shēnqǐng le **zhuānlì**.
    * English: Our company has applied for a patent for this new technology.
    * Analysis: This shows the most common use case: the phrase `申请专利` (apply for a patent).
  * **Example 2:**
    * 这家公司拥有多项重要的技术**专利**。
    * Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngsī yōngyǒu duō xiàng zhòngyào de jìshù **zhuānlì**.
    * English: This company holds several important technology patents.
    * Analysis: `拥有` (yōngyǒu - to possess) is often used to describe holding patents. `项` (xiàng) is a common measure word for patents and technology.
  * **Example 3:**
    * 他们被指控侵犯了我们的**专利**权。
    * Pinyin: Tāmen bèi zhǐkòng qīnfàn le wǒmen de **zhuānlì** quán.
    * English: They were accused of infringing on our patent rights.
    * Analysis: Here, `权` (quán - right) is added to form `专利权` (zhuānlìquán), which specifically means "patent rights." This is very common in legal contexts.
  * **Example 4:**
    * 这个药的**专利**快要到期了，很快就会有仿制药。
    * Pinyin: Zhège yào de **zhuānlì** kuàiyào dàoqī le, hěn kuài jiù huì yǒu fǎngzhìyào.
    * English: This drug's patent is about to expire, and there will be generic versions soon.
    * Analysis: `到期` (dàoqī) means "to expire" and is the standard term for a patent running out.
  * **Example 5:**
    * 他因为那项改变世界的产品而获得了一项发明**专利**。
    * Pinyin: Tā yīnwèi nà xiàng gǎibiàn shìjiè de chǎnpǐn ér huòdé le yí xiàng fāmíng **zhuānlì**.
    * English: He obtained an invention patent for that world-changing product.
    * Analysis: This sentence specifies the type of patent: `发明专利` (invention patent), the most prestigious kind.
  * **Example 6:**
    * 学习**专利**法对科技公司的法务很重要。
    * Pinyin: Xuéxí **zhuānlì** fǎ duì kējì gōngsī de fǎwù hěn zhòngyào.
    * English: Studying patent law is very important for the legal affairs department of a tech company.
    * Analysis: `专利法` (zhuānlì fǎ) is the specific term for "patent law."
  * **Example 7:**
    * 这两家手机公司之间有一场旷日持久的**专利**纠纷。
    * Pinyin: Zhè liǎng jiā shǒujī gōngsī zhījiān yǒu yì chǎng kuàngrìchíjiǔ de **zhuānlì** jiūfēn.
    * English: There is a long-standing patent dispute between these two mobile phone companies.
    * Analysis: `专利纠纷` (zhuānlì jiūfēn) means "patent dispute."
  * **Example 8:**
    * 强有力的**专利**保护可以鼓励创新。
    * Pinyin: Qiángyǒulì de **zhuānlì** bǎohù kěyǐ gǔlì chuàngxīn.
    * English: Strong patent protection can encourage innovation.
    * Analysis: `专利保护` (zhuānlì bǎohù) means "patent protection," a key concept in economic and legal discussions.
  * **Example 9:**
    * 这个独特的设计有**专利**吗？
    * Pinyin: Zhège dútè de shèjì yǒu **zhuānlì** ma?
    * English: Does this unique design have a patent?
    * Analysis: A simple, practical question showing how to ask about patent status.
  * **Example 10:**
    * 华为的**专利**组合是其核心竞争力之一。
    * Pinyin: Huáwéi de **zhuānlì** zǔhé shì qí héxīn jìngzhēnglì zhīyī.
    * English: Huawei's patent portfolio is one of its core competitive advantages.
    * Analysis: `专利组合` (zhuānlì zǔhé) is the standard business term for "patent portfolio."
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
The most common mistake for learners is confusing **专利 (zhuānlì)** with other forms of intellectual property.
  * **专利 (zhuānlì) vs. 版权 (bǎnquán) - Patent vs. Copyright:**
    * **专利** protects **inventions**, like a new type of engine, a chemical process, or a software algorithm.
    * **版权 (bǎnquán)** protects **creative works**, like a book, a song, a movie, or a painting.
    * **Incorrect:** ~~这首歌有**专利**。~~ (This song has a patent.)
    * **Correct:** 这首歌有**版权**。 (This song has a copyright.)
  * **专利 (zhuānlì) vs. 商标 (shāngbiāo) - Patent vs. Trademark:**
    * **专利** protects **how something works or is made**.
    * **商标 (shāngbiāo)** protects a **brand's identity**, like its name, logo, or slogan.
    * **Incorrect:** ~~"耐克"是一个很有名的**专利**。~~ ("Nike" is a very famous patent.)
    * **Correct:** "耐克"是一个很有名的**商标**。 ("Nike" is a very famous trademark.)
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  * [[知识产权]] (zhīshi chǎnquán) - Intellectual Property (IP). **专利** is a major category of this broader concept.
  * [[版权]] (bǎnquán) - Copyright. Another key type of intellectual property, often contrasted with patents.
  * [[商标]] (shāngbiāo) - Trademark. The third pillar of IP, protecting brand identity.
  * [[发明]] (fāmíng) - Invention. The actual creation that a **专利** protects.
  * [[创新]] (chuàngxīn) - Innovation. The process that leads to inventions worthy of a **专利**.
  * [[侵权]] (qīnquán) - Infringement. The general legal term for violating rights. `侵犯专利权` (qīnfàn zhuānlìquán) is a specific type of infringement.
  * [[申请]] (shēnqǐng) - To apply. The verb most commonly paired with **专利**.
  * [[技术]] (jìshù) - Technology. The field where **专利** is most prevalent.