A term of Roman law used to denote a mode of acquisition of property. It corresponds very nearly to the term "prescription." But the prescription of Roman law differed from that of the English law, in this: that no mala fide possessor (i.e., person in possession knowingly of the property of another) could, by however long a period, acquire title by possession merely. The two … [Read more...]

The length of time for which an asset is deemed useful for tax purposes and during which it may be depreciated. … [Read more...]

civil law. The manner of acquiring property in things by the lapse of time required by law. 2. It differs from prescription, which has the same sense, and means, in addition, the manner of acquiring and losing, by the effect of time regulated by law, all sorts of rights and actions. … [Read more...]

Patent Law requirement. An invention must have some particular purpose that qualifies such as a new and unique process or method (utility patent) or a unique design (which doesn't have to improve functionality, just appearance and is called a design patent.) … [Read more...]

(A) The right to use property or income from property that is owned by another. (B) civil law. The right of enjoying a thing, the property of which is vested in another, and to draw from the same all the profit, utility and advantage which it may produce, provided it be without altering the substance of the thing. 2. The obligation of not altering the substance of the thing, … [Read more...]