A patent applied for refers to a pending claim under the patent application in accordance with the Patent and Trademark Office. For a more in-depth definition, see patent pending.
There is no protection of infringement until a patent is granted, but this label may be used to notify customers and competitors that a patent is being sought. This phrase (or something similar) should only be used if a patent application has actually been filed. A monetary penalty exists for false marking. See: 35 U.S.C. § 292
See: U.S. Code: Title 35,
[Last updated in January of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]