What might a patent prevent others from doing?

A patent is a legal right granted by a government that allows the patent holder to exclude others from making, using, selling, or distributing the patented invention without permission for a specified period. This exclusive right is fundamental to the purpose of patents, which is to encourage innovation by providing inventors with a temporary monopoly over their creations.

The correct choice highlights that a patent prevents others from using the patented invention without permission. This means that the patent holder has control over how the invention is utilized, ensuring that they can profit from their innovation and incentivizing further advancements in technology and society.

The other options, while they relate to aspects of financial products and securities, do not align with the primary function of patents. For example, creating competing financial products or selling securities doesn’t fall under the purview of what a patent protects. Instead, such activities may be influenced by other regulations or laws governing finance and business operations. Similarly, owning shares in a company is unrelated to patent rights, as patents pertain specifically to inventions, not ownership stakes in a corporation.