Letters patent facts for kids
Letters patent are special public documents issued by a monarch (like a king or queen) or a government. They are like official open letters. These documents are used to grant important things. They can give someone an office, a right, a special title, or a status.
For example, letters patent can create new companies or government jobs. They can also grant a city its official status or give a coat of arms to a person or group. They are used to appoint important representatives of the Crown (the monarch's authority), such as Governors and Governors-General in countries like Australia or Canada. In the United Kingdom, they even create peers, who are members of the House of Lords.
A special type of letters patent led to the modern patent. This kind of patent gives inventors exclusive rights to their inventions. It's important that these are public documents. This way, other inventors can see them and avoid copying the invention by mistake.
The opposite of letters patent are "letters close." These are private documents. They are sealed so only the person they are sent to can read them. Letters patent, however, are meant for everyone to see.
Contents
What Are Letters Patent?
Letters patent are official written orders. They are made public for everyone to know about. They are different from private letters. They are used for important government decisions.
Why Are They Called "Letters Patent"?
The word "patent" comes from a Latin word meaning "open." So, "letters patent" means "open letters." This is because they are not sealed. Everyone can read them. This makes them different from "letters close," which are sealed and private.
Who Issues Letters Patent?
Historically, kings and queens issued letters patent. Today, governments also issue them. They are a way for a ruler or government to make official announcements. These announcements grant rights or create new positions.
What Do Letters Patent Grant?
Letters patent are used for many important grants. They give special rights or powers. They help create new parts of government or society.
Granting Offices and Titles
Letters patent can create new government jobs. They are used to appoint people to these jobs. For example, a Governor-General is appointed by letters patent. This person represents the monarch in a country. Letters patent also grant special titles, like those given to members of the nobility.
Creating Organizations
These documents can officially create new organizations. They can form corporations, which are like big companies. They can also establish new government departments. This gives them legal power to operate.
Granting City Status
Sometimes, letters patent are used to make a town an official city. This is a special honor. It often comes with new responsibilities and powers for the local government. They can also grant a coat of arms, which is a unique symbol for a family or organization.
Letters Patent and Inventions
One very important use of letters patent is for inventions. This is where the modern idea of a "patent" comes from.
Protecting New Inventions
A patent for an invention gives the inventor special rights. It means only they can make, use, or sell their invention for a certain time. This encourages people to invent new things. They know their ideas will be protected.
Public Information for Inventors
These invention patents are public documents. This is very important. Other inventors can read them. This helps them understand what has already been invented. It prevents them from accidentally copying someone else's idea. It also helps them learn how the invention works.
Images for kids
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Letters patent transferring a predecessor of the University of Lorraine to Nancy in 1768
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Letters patent issued by the United States General Land Office
