• If the preexisting invention is patented by another, the owner of the improvement patent may need a license to practice the invention covered by the claims of the improvement patent. Similarly, the owner of the preexisting invention’s patent may need a license to practice the invention in the improvement patent. Cf. pioneer patent. [Cases: Patents 9. C.J.S. Patents § 23.]
improvement patent
A patent having claims directed to an improvement on a preexisting invention.