Q: Inheritance and patent questions
My great grandfather was an inventor and patented at least 2 machines that I no of. I think he left the family some money
A:
A patent that is issued is a legally a personal property, so that it can be inherited just like money, a car, or an art collection. If your great-grandfather owned patents, then it would have passed onto the appropriate heir (either by will or intestate).
The problem with inheriting patents is that they expire. If your great-grandfather filed for a patent more than 20 years ago, then there is nothing to inherit.
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