Patent life definitionQuestion When a patent is issued to an inventor, how long does it last?
Answer A U.S. patent is subject to a limited term, which currently is 20 years from the filing date of the patent application for utility and plant patents. This term is also subject to the timely payment of maintenance fees.
For a design patent, the patent term is 14 years from the date the design patent issues. 
Brain Trust contributor:
David J. Dawsey
Intellectual Property Attorney
Gallagher & Dawsey Co. LPA
www.Invention-Protection.com
www.TheTrademarkFirm.com
Related Categories: Legal, Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights
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