A patent is a government-granted right giving inventors exclusive control over their inventions for a limited period (typically 20 years from filing). Patents protect new, useful, and non-obvious inventions, allowing inventors to prevent others from making, using, or selling patented innovations without permission. The Canadian Intellectual Property Office grants patents under federal jurisdiction. Municipalities rarely hold patents directly but may encounter patent issues when procuring technology or developing innovations. Understanding intellectual property helps municipalities navigate licensing agreements, avoid infringement, and potentially protect innovations developed in-house. Patent protection encourages innovation by ensuring inventors can benefit from their work.