How to Calculate When Your Patent Will Expire
Patents are a complicated thing. However, they are worth all of the complex issues that come along with a patent because they give you the protection you need against your invention.
Basic Facts About Patents
Patent is issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The two main common types of patents include the utility patent and the design patent.
A utility patent is granted to anyone that invents or discovers any useful and new process, machine, article of manufacture or composition of matter, according to the United State Patent and Trademark Office.
A design patent defined by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, is granted to anyone who invents a new, original and ornamental design for an article of manufacture.
Expiration of Patents
The current standard term of patents have been in full force since June 8, 1995. That is when the United States Patent and Trademark Office adjusted the terms for patents to expire every 20 years. It was originally 17 years.
However, various factors can adjust this standard expiration term. Surprisingly, it isn’t as cut and dry as you may think.
Things to impact the expiration term of a patent include:
– Patent application type (utility or design patent)
– When the patent was filed
– The date the patent was issued
A utility patent expire in 20 years, but may be required to pay maintenance fees over time. Where a design patent expires after 15 years, but usually don’t require maintenance fees over time.
It can sometimes be hard to calculate accurately when a patent is set to expire. This is an important thing to know so you can chose to renew your patent in plenty of time. Working with a patent attorney can help you take out all of the doubt you have over your patent.
Working with a Patent Attorney
If you are thinking of applying for a patent or have questions regarding an existing patent, you should always discuss things with a trusted patent attorney in Phoenix. Legal advice is very valuable during the patent application, while owning a patent, and renewing a patent.