Smart new patents etc (3)
I believe the answer is:
nip
'smart' is the definition.
(both can mean a pain)
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for nip that I've seen before include "Small drink of spirits" , "A small whisky" , "Small drink or small bite" , "Touch of frost" , "Pinch, maybe in the bud" .)