What Is Patent Pending? The phrase patent pending is marked on a product as a notice that its inventor has begun the process of applying for exclusive rights to use, sell, or license the product. In the U.S., it means that a provisional patent application has been submitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
What Is Paper Money? Paper money is a country’s official, paper currency that is circulated for the transactions involved in acquiring goods and services. The printing of paper money is typically regulated by a country’s central bank or treasury in order to keep the flow of funds in line with monetary policy. Paper money tends
What Is a Paper Dealer? A paper dealer is a market maker that stands ready to buy and sell extremely short-term corporate bonds called commercial paper or other money market instruments. A paper dealer is typically a large financial firm that has the capital and level of sophistication necessary to distribute commercial paper to investors
What Is a Paper Millionaire? A paper millionaire is an individual who has achieved a high net worth as a result of the large total market value of the assets they own. This phenomenon usually occurs when investors buy marketable securities that are later bid up to much higher prices on the open market. While
What is a Paper Profit (Paper Loss)? A paper profit or loss is an unrealized capital gain (or capital loss) in an investment. For a purchased long investment, it is the difference between the current price and the purchase price. For a sold or short investment, it is the difference between the price when sold
What Is Paper Trade? A paper trade is a simulated trade that allows an investor to practice buying and selling without risking real money. The term dates back to a time when (before the proliferation of online trading platforms) aspiring traders would practice on paper before risking money in live markets. While learning, a paper trader records
What Is a Paradigm Shift? The term paradigm shift refers to a major change in the worldview, concepts, and practices of how something works or is accomplished. A paradigm shift can happen within a wide variety of contexts from scientific research to industry. Paradigm shifts in industry often happen when new technology is introduced that
What Is the Paradox of Thrift? The paradox of thrift, or paradox of savings, is an economic theory that posits that personal savings are a net drag on the economy during a recession. This theory relies on the assumption that prices do not clear or that producers fail to adjust to changing conditions, contrary to the
What Is Paraplanning? Paraplanning refers to the administrative and clerical duties of a financial planner delegated to and carried out by junior members of a financial planning group. Similar in scope to a paralegal at a law firm, the function of a paraplanner was created to allow financial planners to focus on working closely with
What Is a Parent Company? A parent company is a company that has a controlling interest in another company, giving it control of its operations. Parent companies can be either hands-on or hands-off owners of its subsidiaries, depending on the amount of managerial control given to subsidiary managers, but will always maintain a certain level
