Step 1: A patent gives an inventor exclusive rights, which stimulates innovation and encourages new inventions, so options 1 and 4 are correct.
Step 2: Since only the patent holder can use the invention, it acts as a barrier preventing other firms from entering that specific market, so option 2 is also correct.
Step 3: A patent is granted only for a fixed term, usually about 20 years, after which the invention becomes public. It never gives a permanent monopoly, so option 3 is the incorrect statement.