Answer:
The correct answer is letter "C": deprives competitors of the opportunity to use the invention without the patent holder's consent.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patents are grants given to the creator of innovation by which that individual is the only person with the right of use of the new technology. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the agency in charge of evaluating the patent requests and providing them whenever suitable.
Patents are usually given for 20 years beginning from the date when the patent application was filed in the USPTO. If approved, other individuals cannot use, replicate or exploit the innovation without the explicit permission of its creator.