### Question
How is the "patent" defined?


### Answer
The term **patent** is defined in *21 U.S.C. § 360b* as follows -

> a patent issued by the Patent and Trademark Office of the Department of Commerce

#### Citation:
  - *21 U.S.C. § 360b*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 8-NARCOTIC FARMS > SUBCHAPTER V-DRUGS AND DEVICES > Part A-Drugs and Devices**

