adj. Open; manifest; evident; unsealed. Used in this sense in such phrases as “patent ambiguity,” “patent writ,” “letters patent” Letters patent. Open letters, as distinguished from letters close. An instrument proceeding from the government, and conveying a right, authority, or grant to an individual, as a’ patent for a tract of land, or for the exclusive right to make and sell a new invention. Familiarly termed a “patent” See International Tooth Crown Co. v. Hanks Dental Ass’n (C. C.) Ill Fed. 918. Patent ambiguity. See AMBIGUITY. Patent defect. In sales of personal property, one which is plainly visible or which can be discovered by such an inspection as would be made in the exercise of ordinary care and prudence. See Lawson v. Baer, 52 N. C. 461. Patent writ. In old practice. An open writ; one not closed or sealed up. See CLOSE WRITS.