A patent office is a government agency responsible for granting patents to inventors and businesses. Patents protect new inventions, allowing the creator exclusive rights to their idea for a certain period. This encourages innovation by ensuring that inventors can benefit from their work without the fear of others copying it. In addition to granting patents, patent offices also examine applications to ensure they meet specific criteria, such as novelty and usefulness. They maintain public records of patents and provide resources for inventors, helping them navigate the complex process of protecting their intellectual property.