Crossword Genius

An obvious attempt to discourage imitators (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

patent

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'an obvious' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for patent that I've seen before include "evident" , "This leather has a glossy varnished surface" , "unmistakeable" , "Registration of ownership of invention" , "Like a medicine" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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