What type of rights does a patent give the inventor?

A patent grants the inventor exclusive rights for a duration of 20 years from the date of filing the application. This exclusivity allows the inventor to control the use, production, and sale of their invention, preventing others from exploiting the patented work without permission. This period is designed to give inventors a chance to recoup their investment in research and development while also fostering innovation by incentivizing the creation of new ideas. After the 20-year period, the patent enters the public domain, allowing anyone to use the invention without restriction.

The distinction of this answer lies in the time limit of 20 years, which is a standard established in patent law to balance the interests of the inventor with those of the public. In contrast, options suggesting lifetime exclusivity or limited rights do not accurately reflect the patent system's design. Shared rights with public access are also not in line with the exclusive nature of patents during the specified term.