The usual British pronunciation for all senses of this word is [pay-tuhnt]. In technical usage, when it refers to the legal protection of an invention, the word is often pronounced [pat-uhnt]. Americans use [pat-uhnt] for all uses of the word except 'obvious', for which they use [pay-tuhnt].
The mon, the central red disc, is called Hi-no-maru or sun-disc. The disc is set slightly towards the hoist. White symbolizes honesty and purity. Effective date: 5 August 1854.