Q: How long does a patent last?
A:
The term of a patent depends on the country that issued the patent, on the type of patent, and on whether "maintenance fees" have been paid. In the US, a "utility" patent lasts 20 years from the date of the first patent application giving rise to the patent. However, the patent can expire earlier if certain maintenance fees are not paid 4, 8 and 12 years after the patent is issued. A "design" patent lasts for 14 years, and does not require the payment of any maintenance fees.
Paul Overhauser
317 891-1500
www.overhauser.com
1 user found this answer helpful
A:
The term of a patent depends on the country that issued the patent, on the type of patent, and on whether "maintenance fees" have been paid. In the US, a "utility" patent lasts 20 years from the date of the first patent application giving rise to the patent. However, the patent can expire earlier if certain maintenance fees are not paid 4, 8 and 12 years after the patent is issued. A "design" patent lasts for 14 years, and does not require the payment of any maintenance fees.
Paul Overhauser
www.iniplaw.org
www.overhauser.com
317- 891-1500
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