How long does patent protection last?

• What is a patent?

• What can be patented?

• Does an invention have to be completely new to be patented?

• Who can apply for a patent?

• What standards are applied to determine if an invention is patentable?

• What is the first step in patenting an invention?

• When and how is a patent application prepared?

• What information goes into the patent specification?

• What is the function of the patent Claims?

• Are there different types of patent applications?

• What happens after the patent application is filed?

• Is there any recourse from an unfavorable final office action?

• What happens once the examiner finds the claims are allowable?

• Does the inventor have to wait for the issuance of his/her patent before beginning to manufacture or market the invention?

• How long does the entire patenting process take?

• Should an inventor disclose his/her invention to others prior to filing a patent application?

• What happens if two applications are filed for the same invention?

• How long does patent protection last?

• Does a U.S. Patent provide protection from foreign competition?

• How is a patent enforced?

• Can patent rights be sold?

• Does an employee’s invention automatically belong to their employer?

• What is a patent license?

• How does an inventor go about licensing his/her invention?

• Once a patent is issued, can it be revoked or modified?

• What are the maintenance requirements after a patent is issued?

Microwave Boiler and Hot Water Heater

Pre-Ignition Fuel Treatment System

Simulated Balloon Display and Method

Botanical Drug Compositions

Computer for Emergency Responders

Pet Carrier Garment

Human Echolocation System

Water Based Adhesive Curing Process

Hand Wash Monitoring System

For U.S. utility and plant patents issued from patent applications filed after June 8, 1995, the term of patent protection extends 20 years from the from the filing date of the earliest U.S. non-provisional patent application to which priority is claimed. For design patents, the term is 14 years. Certain patents are eligible for patent term adjustment to extend the period of protection beyond 20 years, as this often happens if the Patent Office takes more than 3 years to review and approve the patent application, or if there are administrative delays in processing and issuing the patent application. For pharmaceutical patents, term extensions may also be available to compensate for delays in securing FDA approvals. The patent term of an obvious offshoot of an inventor’s previous invention may also be shortened by a terminal disclaimer.