Yes, a patent can be inherited just like any other type of property. If the inventor of the patent passes away, their estate may include the patent as an asset, which can then be passed on to their heirs or beneficiaries through a will or other estate planning documents.
It’s worth noting, however, that inheriting a patent does not necessarily mean that the inheritor automatically gains the right to exploit or commercialize the invention. The inheritor would need to comply with the same laws and regulations that govern patents, and would need to obtain the necessary licenses or permissions to use or sell the patented invention.
Additionally, if the patent is jointly owned by multiple inventors, the surviving co-owners may have rights and responsibilities related to the management and exploitation of the patent. In such cases, it is important to carefully review the terms of any co-ownership agreements or other legal arrangements related to the patent.