Which of the following best describes a patent?

The correct choice accurately defines a patent as a legal right granted by a government to an inventor, giving them the exclusive authority to exclude others from making, using, or selling their invention for a specified period of time, typically 20 years from the filing date. This exclusivity incentivizes innovation by allowing inventors to potentially profit from their creations without the immediate threat of competition.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different forms of intellectual property or business concepts. A patent is distinct from the protection of artistic works, which is covered under copyright law. Similarly, trademarks serve to represent a brand and distinguish goods or services, whereas business strategies aimed at increasing customer loyalty would involve marketing tactics rather than legal protections. Thus, option B stands out as the only description that correctly pertains to what a patent is and the rights it confers.